Dangers of Nasal Spray Addiction

Filed in archive Allergy: Diagnostics and Treatment on March 22, 2006

Clogged nose? Grab a nasal spray and get instant relief!

But wait, not so fast. While it is true that you get a hold of nasal over-the-counter, it might still be wise to consult your doc if you have recurring nasal congestion. Nasal sprays which contain oxymetazoline or phenylepherine (e.g. Afrin and Neo-Synephrin) may result to a condition called "rebound", if used more than the prescribed 3-4 days. The nasal linings will swell up again, and will require more medication to achieve relief. In addicted users, nasal sprays may even result to damaged nasal cavities and breakdown of the cartilage forming the septum in the nose.

But if you're already addicted to nasal sprays, how do you get off it? There's a new product in the market called Rhinostat, which, according to the manufacturers, works like the nicotine patch for nasal sprays.

Rhinostat is a dosage titration system which can allow you to comfortably wean yourself from decongestant nasal sprays.

The kit includes two bottles of solution, one of which is the chemical component of the over-the-counter spray. The second is a bottle of saline. Myers said the kit allows the user to be "weaned comfortably from the spray.

If you've reached this point, better consult your allergologist. If not, then stick to saline solution and reserve the nasal sprays for really congested cases, and remember to follow package instructions: Not more than 4 days in a row!

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