When you become dependent on pharmaceutical decongestant nasal sprays it is termed nasal spray addiction or rhinitis medicamentosa.
Over the counter decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylepherine etc. (topical vacoconstrictors) temporarily reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, open the nasal passages and provide relief from nasal congestion etc. However when these are used for more than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion. Rebound congestion is the result of abnormal hypertrophy (enlargement) and swelling of the nasal membranes. This blocks the nasal passages causing the nasal congestion and associated symptoms. This rebound congestion is temporarily relieved by using the offending nasal spray. Therefore a vicious cycle of dependency ensues.
Since the lining of the sinus passages is delicate, it can become damaged forever.
The symptoms can include :-nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, runny nose, sinus/facial pain, sinus/facial tenderness, sinus/facial pressure, headaches, pain in teeth, pain in jaw, pain in ears, pain through and around eyes, fatigue, dizziness, drainage of a thick yellow or green discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat (post nasal drip), reduced sense of smell and taste, cough (which may be worse at night), nausea, sore throat and halitosis (bad breath), irritability, sleep disorders, anxiety and nervousness, chronic nose bleeds, perforated septum, dry/crusty nasal passages, rapid heart beat
Once the nasal spray addiction has been cured it may still be a requirement to cure some underlying nasal condition such as sinusitis or nasal allergies for which the offending nasal spray was used for in the first place.
Discontinue use – Going ‘cold turkey’ and stopping use of the decongestant nasal spray can eventually break the dependency. However this can cause sleep deprivation, anxiety, extreme nasal congestion etc. and general suffering and misery.
Stop one nostril at a time – By discontinuing use one nostril at a time you can deal with the negative symptoms of the rebound congestion while still maintaning some degree of breathing.
Gradual weaning – Gradually reduce the strength of your decongestant nasal spray by adding saline solution to it, a little at a time. The rate at which you add the saline depends on the individual and the main aim is not to cause rebound congestion due to the mixture being too weak. This does not work for everyone but is definitely worth a try.
Natural nose sprays – SinuSoothe in particular is doctor recommended and can be used to replace the decongestant nasal spray. The ingredients have been clinically proven to reduce inflammation and have decongestant and expectorant properties therefore it is extremely effective at relieving nasal congestion. It can also moisturize dry nasal passages and assist in healing damaged tissue. It is completely safe and non-addictive.
Saline nasal sprays – Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturizing the nasal passages and relieving nasal congestion. They can be either isotonic or hypertonic solutions. These can be used long term, have no side effects and are non-addictive. They may help reduce inflammation. Unfortunately for many sufferers saline nasal sprays are ineffective.
Sinus irrigation – An isotonic or hypertonic solution is used to flush out the sinuses. A neti pot or syringe type device is used and this can provide relief from inflammation and nasal congestion. This treatment has been known to help some nasal spray addicts.
Reduce inflammation – Instead of using Ibuprofen etc. you may be better using natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger, turmeric and omega oils. These have been clinically proven to be just as effective but are much safer. By reducing inflammation you may relieve the symptoms of nasal spray addiction to an acceptable level.
Please speak with a doctor before using new treatments.
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Want to find out more about nasal spray addiction and natural nasal sprays, then visit Rachel at SinuSoothe’s website where she is always glad to help. Rachel Scott Ph.D. is an expert in the treatment of sinus conditions.