Nasal spray addiction is not a true “addiction,” but
it can lead to tissue damage inside the nose
. This can result in swelling and long-term stuffiness that leads to further use and overuse of the spray. In some cases, a person may need to undergo additional treatment, and possibly surgery, to correct any damage.
What happens if you use nasal spray for too long?
If a decongestant nasal spray is used too frequently or for too long, you can
develop “rebound congestion
.” You may find that you want to use the spray more frequently than recommended. Each time the spray is used, the blood vessels in the nose narrow, causing the tissue inside the nose to shrink.
Can you become dependent on nasal spray?
People develop a tolerance to DNSs. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction.
You can become dependent on nasal spray
, but not addicted to it.
How long does rebound congestion last?
Rebound Congestion occurs then the 3 turbinates (superior, middle and inferior) are abnormally enlarged and block the nasal airflow into the nasopharynx. When the sprays are withdrawn, patients endure a period of extreme discomfort that often lasts
4-7 days
.
How do you get over a nasal spray addiction?
Rebound congestion treatment
The best way to break the cycle of Afrin addiction, Dr. Besser advises, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. “Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers,” she says. “One can use a nasal steroid (such as
Flonase
) to help limit the symptoms while the body recovers.
Is it bad to use nasal spray everyday?
No.
Nasal sprays with corticosteroids are safe to use daily for most people
. People who need to use steroid nose sprays for 6 months or more should talk with their physician.
Is it OK to use saline nasal spray daily?
A saline spray can be applied through the nostrils as often as your symptoms require.
It can be used daily without potential harm
. The effects may be relatively short-lived, requiring multiple uses per day. If it is overused, you may simply notice a runny nose as the excess water drains out.
Can nasal spray affect your brain?
A nasal spray can limit damage to the brain from
a seizure disorder called status epilepticus
, a study in animals shows. The disorder can present itself as a single seizure that lasts longer than 30 minutes or a series of seizures between which the person doesn’t regain consciousness.
How can I unblock my nose naturally?
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier provides a quick, easy way to reduce sinus pain and relieve a stuffy nose. …
- Take a shower. …
- Stay hydrated. …
- Use a saline spray. …
- Drain your sinuses. …
- Use a warm compress. …
- Try decongestants. …
- Take antihistamines or allergy medicine.
What are the side effects of saline nasal spray?
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- Sneezing.
- Cough.
- Eye irritation if sprayed in the eye.
- Nose irritation.
- Abnormal taste.
How do I stop rebound congestion?
If you have rebound congestion, stop
using the spray and wait
. Call your doctor if you need help. To prevent rebound congestion, use decongestant spray for no more than a few days in a row.
Is rebound congestion permanent?
And if you continue to use your nasal spray, this
congestion can last for weeks or even months
. There isn’t a test to formally diagnose rebound congestion. But if rhinitis medicamentosa is to blame, your symptoms should improve after you stop using the medication.
Is too much nasal spray bad?
Overuse of nasal sprays can also lead to other side effects, including headache, coughing, nasal passage swelling (inflammation), increased risk of sinus infection, and, rarely, tears in the nostril membranes. Don’t let that scare you from getting the relief you need.
What happens if you use nasal spray more than twice a day?
Do not use more often, use more sprays, or use longer than directed because doing so
may increase the risk of side effects
. Also, do not use this medication for more than 3 days or it may cause a condition called rebound congestion.
What if nasal spray goes down throat?
Mild
throat
irritation is another common side effect, which can result from dripping of the medication down the back of throat due to incorrect position of the head or breathing in too quickly when pumping the medication (snorting the medication).
