You don't need to worry about contracting the stroke if you had taken PPA containing medications in the past. Experts believe that people won't have a lifelong problem if they have taken it in the past. Problems occur while you are taking it. But if you have taken it safely in the past, that won't necessarily hold for the future. So, caution is advised.
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels break in the brain.
Although they make up only 15 percent of strokes, they are particularly devastating because they increase pressure on the brain. PPA is found in oral decongestants, but many cold remedies use the safe alternative pseudoephedrine, so look for that name in the ingredient list instead. The study found the risk to be highest when taking more than 75 milligrams a day. Nasal sprays are another alternative. But there are many others.