Beat Nasal Spray Addiction – It’s Easy When You Know How
When your over the counter decongestant nasal spray creates a dependency, whereby, to stop use it causes increased nasal congestion, you have developed a condition commonly known as nasal spray addiction (rhinitis medicamentosa).
Pharmaceutical nasal sprays containing topical vaconstrictors such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline temporarily provide nasal congestion relief by shrinking the blood vessels in your nose. However if these are used long term (which the manufacturers do not recommend) they cause rebound congestion. This is congestion that is worse than before you used the nasal spray and can be relieved by using it once more.
Since the lining of the sinus passages is delicate, it can become damaged forever.
The main symptoms are;- difficulty in breathing and severe sinus congestion, easily agitated, reduced sense of smell (in some cases a complete loss), frequent nose bleeds, damaged and perforated nasal septum, anxiety and nervousness, dry nasal linings which can be crusty, higher than normal heart rate.
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.
Go 'Cold turkey' - Stop using the decongestant nasal spray. The rebound congestion can last from four days onwards and as with all cold turkey methods it is very difficult.
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 weaning yourself off of the offending nasal spray can be effective. Your existing nasal spray can be diluted with saline solution, however it is best to do this gradually otherwise your sinuses may suddenly become completely blocked (as if you have stopped using your decongestant).
Nasal sprays containg natural ingredients - Nasal sprays such as Sinusoothe 100% natural nasal spray are often used instead of decongestant nasal sprays since they can provide relief from nasal congestion but don't rebound. Sinusoothe is doctor recommended and has many additional benefits such as moisturizing the sinus passages and assisting in cell regeneration (growing healthy tissue).
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.
Irrigation of nasal passages - Inflammation and associated nasal congestion can be relieved by irrigating the sinuses with an isotonic or hypertonic saline solution. A neti pot, syringe or some similar apparatus is used to administer the saline solution to the sinus passages. Though not to everyone's liking this can be useful.
Anti-inflammatories (natural) - By reducing inflammation you may adequately relieve the symptoms of nasal spray addiction. Ginger, turmeric and omega oils are particularly effective and can be used instead of the pharmaceutical type. They usually do not cause side effects.
It is always advisable to consult a physician before using any new treatment.
Rachel Scott Ph.D. is one of the world's leading sinus experts and should you require further information on nasal sprays or natural nasal sprays please visit SinuSoothe's website.
