After the medicine wears off, the nasal tissue swells again. Once the medicine wears off, your nose may flare up. Afrin and other related nasal decongestant sprays are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays to treat nasal congestion as well as nasal obstruction due to sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, allergies, etc.. Any nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, neo-synephrine, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline (look under the active ingredients) are considered nasal decongestants. You can take these steps to avoid getting hooked. Knowing about the different types of nasal sprays and how to use them safely can help to prevent this problem. In an observational study investigating the prevalence and clinical presentation of AI in patients who were prescribed ICSs by French physicians during the period 2000–05, Molimard et al. The nasal spray rebound effect has … They shrink the blood vessels in the nose temporarily. All rights reserved. Symptoms of congestion and runny nose can often be treated with corticosteroid nasal sprays under the supervision of a physician. Shortness of breath 7. Dryness in the nose 6. They are available over-the-counter, so many people assume that they can use them without problems. A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a small reduction in growth in children who used a particular type of nasal spray that contained a type of corticosteroid called fluticasone furoate. In others, pharmacies may keep products containing this chemical behind the counter, even though they do not need a prescription. Rhinitis Medicamentosa (RM) is the medical term that refers to nasal inflammation due to medication use. Afrin-caused rebound congestion is not a form of addiction. Is sleeping on the floor actually good for you? 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 … That’s why every bottle comes with a warning: “Do not use for more than 3 to 5 days.” McCall read the labels, but “I didn’t think a couple more days would make a difference,” she says. Drug-free saline nasal sprays tend to be safe for people of all ages. They allow easier breathing when congestion arises due to colds or allergies. Allergies typically have more than one symptom, like itchy, watery eyes. Could prostate drugs reduce Parkinson's disease risk? A nasal spray is any kind of medication that’s inhaled through the nose. Switch methods. However, the effects of nasal spray are temporary and usually work only a few hours at a time. There’s only one permanent solution -- you have to stop using the nasal spray. Preservative-free formulas are available in aerosol cans that keep the liquid sterile. This can help treat nasal allergy symptoms at the source and may cause fewer side effects than pills for some people. Dizziness 2. Irreg… feeling congested again shortly after using a decongestant spray, using a decongestant spray regularly but feeling that it doesn’t work anymore, feeling a strong urge to use the spray more often than the instructions recommend, using the spray just to be able to breathe normally on a daily basis. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. They warn people to use neti pots with sterilized water and to clean them properly to avoid some rare but dangerous infections. To still breathe in the meantime you can try over the counter oral decongestants (Sudafed or Sudafed PE). People who need to use steroid nose sprays for 6 months or more should talk with their physician. A corticosteroid is not an anabolic steroid. Just ask Marianne McCall. Because they’re applied directly to the nose, they give you quick relief. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't contain habit-forming ingredients, and they don't cause the compulsive cravings that mark an addiction. Nasal sprays are a type of medicine. It can lead to chronic sinusitis and other serious, long-term problems. To be sure, people should look for sodium chloride (salt) and water as the main ingredients, with no “active” ingredients. Each time they use the spray, the blood vessels in the nose narrow, causing the tissue inside the nose to shrink. Some also contain preservatives that prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Instead, suffering recurring nasal congestion due to overuse of Afrin is a physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal passage tissues to oxymetazoline. If you have severe rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) your GP may prescribe a short course of corticosteroid tablets and/or a corticosteroid nasal spray. No. “We sometimes prescribe a short course of oral steroids to help patients get over the initial severe congestion that occurs while trying to quit the nasal decongestants,” Wang says. Overuse is common. The spray doesn’t help. Burning 2. There may also be a limit on how much you can buy each month, and individuals may have to show ID or give personal details when they buy this type of decongestant. People can use them daily for up to 12 weeks. 1017 Series:- Aurena sparkling nasal spray – Hypertonic (Nine formulations containing 0.4% or 0.7% CO 2) 1018 Series:- Aurena Saline Nasal Spray – Hypertonic (10 formulations based on varying saline concentrations) 1020 Series:- Aurena Nasal Spray – Isotonic (15 formulations containing various combinations of saline, aloe vera and chamomile) Many people think of … Nasal sprays with corticosteroids are safe to use daily for most people. If you use Saline Mist Spray (sodium chloride nasal) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it. Certain conditions can cause these vessels to become swollen or constrict. I had this for well over 2 years, lost my sense of smell in the end from repeated steroid spray overuse. Learn more…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. With rebound congestion, a person may find that they need to use the spray more frequently over time, often several times a day or more. If you find nasal sprays helpful in treating your rhinitis, take care not … Afrin is an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray. Yes, using enormous quantities of nasal spray can indeed damage the sensitive nasal mucosa, in turn preventing the medication from doing what it is supposed to do — decongest your nose. However, it is possible to develop a tolerance to nasal sprays. This often occurs because they use the medication more frequently when their symptoms worsen, even for extended periods of time. Cold vs Allergies. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Strictly, this is rebound congestion and not an addiction. It’s probably going to take a few weeks, and the first week will be the hardest. Cromolyn sodium is an antihistamine spray that is available over the counter. spray. As you've discovered, using a decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 or 4 days will likely cause rebound congestion when you try to stop using it. Also contact your health care provider if you experience any of the following more significant side effects: 1. It is important to use these medications as instructed on the label. This provides short-term relief from stuffiness, but it does not cure a cold or allergies. Increased runny nose 5. Steroid nasal sprays can cause nosebleeds and, although rarely, a change in your sense of smell. Rhinitis medicamentosa can result in people who use nasal sprays like Afrin for more than three to five days straight. Oral antihistamines and decongestants -- which you take by mouth -- have a different mix of chemical ingredients and don’t all bring the same risks. Yet it was helping for shorter and shorter periods. The longer you use a spray decongestant, the more likely you are to get the rebound phenomenon. Many people think of anabolic steroids when they hear about steroids. We include products we think are useful for our readers. “We may also recommend other treatments, such as drugs for allergy control, nasal emollients, or alternative therapies.”, Medscape: “Rhinitis Medicamentosa Clinical Presentation.”. Eventually, the excess medication itself can cause nasa… Lubricate and rinse your nose using a saline nasal spray - available from your pharmacist. A range of saline nasal sprays are available for purchase online. Cut the cord. The Neti-Pot is a yogic variation of saline irrigation that became much more popular after Oprah’s recommendation. As a result, you may need to use more and more of the medication to control congestion. A few allergy seasons back, she thought her seasonal congestion might never end. Drug-free saline nasal sprays tend to be safe for... Steroid nasal sprays. This can lead to overuse of nasal spray, resulting in nasal spray side effects. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Parasite infections may prevent aging and disease. The over-the-counter (OTC) drug worked like a charm. Long-term use of any type of steroid can have side effects. What happened to McCall is known as the rebound phenomenon. Make these tweaks to your diet, home, and lifestyle. Antihistamine nasal sprays allow a person to apply the medicine directly into the nose. By summer, she was still using the spray daily. Nasal sprays can cause side effects. However, scientists are investigating options, and some drugs already have approval. In 2014, researchers found that out of 895 participants with nasal congestion, half of them overused their medication. You spray away, but your problem just gets worse. You have symptoms of withdrawal. Thailand Medical News. Reducing the dose of the nasal spray over a period of time to wean the individual off the medication is … The use of over-the-counter (OTC) saline nasal sprays may help open the nose without causing RM if the spray does not contain a decongestant. identified forty-six cases of AI, among which 23 cases … Allergies typically have more than one symptom, like itchy, watery eyes. Fauquier Ear Nose and Throat Consultants of Virginia; “Rhinitis medicamentosa (Nasal Decongestant Spray Addiction.”. But nasal spray overuse has just one: nasal congestion that won’t go away. These sprays can cause a so-called “nasal spray addiction” in some people. They can treat conditions such as hives, skin rashes from allergies or bites, asthma, and nasal allergies. Saline nasal sprays. These are an effective way to flush mucus and allergens out of the nose. Saline sprays have no side effects, and people can use them as they need. Steroid nasal sprays are commonly available in stores, but some may need a doctor’s prescription. I got a referral to an ENT surgeon who found large polyps and had a nasal polypectomy to remove them. Find out where rhinitis medicamentosa comes in and what you can do to prevent it. When a person uses nasal sprays for too long, a rebound effect can occur, causing the person to experience quick relief for about 30 minutes and then become more congested. When you stop the spray you get headaches, sleep trouble, restlessness, and anxiety. Learn more about coronaviruses here. Another option is to use a neti pot. People should never use them more frequently than the label advises. “Overuse of some nasal sprays is most often a result of dependency,” said Kelly Erdos, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist with Banner Baywood Medical Center. Rhinitis medicamentosa is typically caused by the overuse of decongestant nasal sprays (Graf, 2005). Doing Home Care Flush your nose with saline solution. As a result, you may need to use more and more of the nasal spray to control congestion and might even find yourself requiring higher doses. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have expressed concern about their use. It is common for patients who use nasal sprays on a regular basis to acquire a habit of overusing the medication. For this reason, some states may require a doctor’s prescription for these products. Rinsing your nasal passages helps wash away any excess mucus or irritants inside your nose, which can reduce inflammation … Nasal Sprays for Allergies and Colds Topics. When a stuffy nose strikes, the right nasal spray can provide much-needed relief. They are also used for other causes of persistent inflammation of the nose (rhinitis). Nasal spray types. It’s a well-known problem, says Marilene Wang, MD, an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Los Angeles. Some are safe to use daily for several months, but others can cause a “nasal spray addiction” if people use them for more than a few days. Symptoms of rebound congestion or dependency on nasal spray may include: To help people avoid this problem, the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAAI) recommend using it no more than twice a day for only 3 days. Another option is over-the-counter decongestant and allergy pills. They are used most often for allergies of the nose, such as hay fever. Nausea 9. Typically, a person will need to stop using the spray. A nasal spray is often the first choice for mild congestion due to allergies and colds. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Decongestant nasal sprays are medications used to ease nasal congestion. Insomnia 3. People should use decongestant nasal sprays with caution to avoid rebound congestion and damage to the delicate nasal tissue. Cromolyn sodium sprays are nonaddictive. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Nasal Sprays for Allergies and Colds Home, How to Exercise Outside When You Have Allergies. In 2005, Licata described one patient admitted to the hospital with symptoms of AI after overuse of fluticasone nasal spray . After a few days, though, the blood vessels don’t respond to the medication anymore. Oklahoma Heart Institute: “What allergy medicines can I safely take if I have heart disease or high blood pressure? Sometimes it swells even more than before. They can provide relief from hay fever or nasal allergies, and can often replace other allergy medications taken by mouth. In some cases, a person may need to undergo additional treatment, and possibly surgery, to correct any damage. Those who need to use them for longer should ask their doctor. When the blood vessels in your nasal passages become swollen due to a cold, allergies, sinusitis, exercise, or hormonal changes, … You can’t pinpoint a trigger. Pilot study of time-restricted eating suggests further research warranted, Black History Month: Fueling our future with the pride of our true past. Many saline sprays will specify “saline” and “drug-free” on the bottle. It may take a week or more of daily use before a person feels complete relief from allergy symptoms. Children should only use steroid nasal sprays under the guidance of a doctor for this reason. Your nasal spray could be doing more harm than good. Nasal sprays can provide relief from congestion. Nasal rinses Sometimes, rinsing your nasal passages with a salt water solution can be helpful. This often occurs because they use the medication more frequently when their symptoms worsen, even for extended periods of time. Marilene B. Wang, MD, professor, head and neck surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: “Patients Self-Medicating Persistent Rhinitis Overuse Decongestant Sprays,” The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: An updated practice parameter.”, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: “Antihistamines, Decongestants and Cold Remedies.”, Medscape: “Rhinitis Medicamentosa: Epidemiology,” “Allergic Rhinitis Medication: Medication Summary,” “Treatment & Management,” “Rhinitis Medicamentosa: Treatment & Management.” Rhinitis Medicamentosa: Medical Care.”. They contain no medication and have no side effects. These sprays have different brand names, but the two main active ingredients are oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine. If the person continues to use it, this swelling can get more severe and lead to permanent swelling of the tissue. Give your doctor a call if you're having any of these issues: It’s all in your nose. Is nasal spray addiction a cause for concern? A warning label on Afrin and other nasal sprays that include the medication oxymetazoline tells individuals not to use the solution for … Coronaviruses commonly cause illnesses with respiratory symptoms, such as coughing. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian on January 15, 2020. Nasal irrigation with saline is a natural way of clearing nasal and sinus passageways. After a few days of using a decongestant nasal spray, your nasal membranes may become tolerant — or less responsive — to the effects You spray and spray, several times a day, but your stuffy nose seems to get worse. Due to the nasal tear, your nose may … “People may become dependent to nasal spray because of something called the rebound effect.” Dependency vs. Addiction: The Rebound Effect People use antihistamines to treat seasonal allergies. These are popular with bodybuilders who want to improve muscle mass. Nasal spray. Between doses, her congestion was getting worse. You, in turn, may respond to the reduced efficacy of your favorite over-the-counter nasal spray … ... Stop using it for a few weeks. It is safe for use from the age of 2 years. Your problems don’t change with the season, or relate to other triggers. For very severe cases, oral steroids or nasal surgery may be necessary. Last medically reviewed on September 26, 2018, Exposure to indoor allergens is a usual trigger for winter allergies, as people tend to spend more time inside, possibly in poorly ventilated areas…, Evidence of the benefits of floor sleeping tends to be anecdotal. Corticosteroids are useful for calming inflammation that happens because of an overactive immune system response. For the most part, over-the-counter nasal sprays work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. Your doctor can help find the best way to ease your discomfort. Yes. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the effects of the medication. Some types of corticosteroids may slow growth in children, especially if used for a long time. Rebound congestion is caused by overuse of nasal spray decongestants, which are a common treatment for rhinitis congestion. Some coronaviruses cause the common cold, while others cause more severe respiratory illnesses. This leads to a rebound effect, which occurs when your nose becomes less responsive to the effects of the nasal spray due to the overuse and the nasal spray will further irritate your nasal linings. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. It works by constricting the blood vessels found in your nasal tissue. Some are unsafe for people with high blood pressure, though. This can happen even after the cold or allergy that originally caused the problem has passed. But is this true? They may need a different medication to relieve the swelling, such as a steroid nasal spray. Don’t use a spray more than once every 12 hours, or longer than 3 days. Steroid nasal sprays apply a corticosteroid directly into the nose to treat nasal allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Here’s our process. No. What you may be referring to is a rebound effect that can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays regularly. People should also ask a pediatrician before giving any medication to young children. Try other decongestants. Saline sprays can help to loosen and thin any mucus in the nose. That’s how they open up your clogged passages. Tremors 4. Have been free of symptoms ever since. By constricting the blood vessels, the sinuses are prompted to begin draining congestion from the nasal passages. The underlying cause of congestion lies in the blood vessels that line your nose. This cycle can continue for months, years, and even decades. In addition, sometimes people abuse pseudoephedrine by using it to make an illegal recreational drug, methamphetamine, according to information from the American Academy of Family Physicians. Weakness 6. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Sources. However, if they're used for longer than 5 to 7 days at a time, they can cause the lining of your nose to swell up again. In April, she’d begun to use a topical nasal-spray decongestant. Use a nasal saline (like a nasal rinse or Neti pot).They can flush out stuffy airways. Nervousness 8. This is known as vasoconstriction. Overuse of nasal decongestants Nasal decongestant sprays work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose. F or many people with obstructive sleep apnea, nasal congestion and chronic sinus infections are a common problem. Antihistamines block a chemical called histamine that is responsible for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny noses. A saline nasal spray is drug-free and is generally safe. They reduce swelling in the nose and open the nasal passages, by narrowing and reducing blood flow to the small blood vessels in the lining of the nose. Do You Know the Difference? Steroid nasal sprays contain a corticosteroid. They will examine the nasal tissue to check for damage or excess swelling. You can’t pinpoint a trigger. Time-Restricted eating suggests further research warranted, Black History Month: Fueling our with... Lost my sense of smell in the nose overuse of nasal spray the compulsive cravings that mark an addiction tolerance... For purchase online for months, years, and it has one:! Habit of overusing the medication more frequently when their symptoms worsen, even they! A physician which are a common belief is that congestion is not a true “ addiction ”. Lies in the nose narrow, causing infection and pain: nasal congestion 's systems can be affected months! Medication anymore provides short-term relief from stuffiness, but your problem just gets worse study. Take 2 doses at the source and may cause fewer side effects stop the spray, resulting nasal. Periods of time and thin any mucus in the end from repeated steroid spray overuse to still breathe in blood! Has one cause: overusing decongestant nasal spray overuse has just one: congestion... 2004-2021 Healthline Media is getting worse, even for extended periods of.... Physiological reaction involving tolerance of nasal spray dose and go back to your normal time and passageways. Nose strikes, the nasal spray, several times a day, but the two main active ingredients may on... Allergies, and some drugs already have approval of use ” on the package as fluticasone propionate or acetonide!: 1 but your problem just gets worse is that congestion is caused by mucus blocking your tissue... Sprays on a regular basis to acquire a habit of overusing the medication overuse of nasal spray! 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Pediatrician before giving any medication to control congestion may require a doctor bites. Is often the first choice for mild congestion due to allergies and colds solution -- you have stop! A stuffy nose strikes, the nasal spray overuse problem just gets worse but dangerous infections use..., scientists are investigating options, and the user will be the hardest will to... And shorter periods have more than one symptom, like itchy, watery eyes or excess swelling topical... Avoid some rare but dangerous infections to correct any damage long-term problems is caused mucus. Available over-the-counter, so many people assume that they can provide much-needed relief though do... Spray side effects doctor for this reason, some states may require a ’. A yogic variation of saline irrigation that became much more popular after Oprah s. And lead to chronic sinusitis and other serious, long-term problems it is close to the to. 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Any kind of medication that ’ s not likely an allergy to be safe for people of all ages the! Up all the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to normal... Common belief is that congestion is caused by mucus blocking your nasal passages by overuse of decongestants! To find relief is often the first week will be the hardest oxymetazoline. Unsafe for people with high blood pressure, though package as fluticasone propionate or triamcinolone acetonide Oprah ’ a. Decongestants ( Sudafed or Sudafed PE ) nasal passages will begin to clear and the user will be to... Allergies of the nose 12 hours, or longer than 3 days result in swelling and long-term stuffiness leads.