The effect of topically administered phenylpropanolamine (PPA) on nasal secretion and nasal airway resistance (NAR) was evaluated in a placebo controlled double blind cross‐over study in 10 healthy subjects. The nasal secretion was collected in handkerchiefs and weighed. NAR was measured by anterior rhinomanometry and the degree of nasal blockage, secretion and the number of sneezes were registered in a score. PPA (25 mg/ml) significantly reduced nasal secretion, NAR and the degree of blockage and so PPA may be useful as a topical nasal decongestan