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).
Decongestant nasal sprays containing topical vaconstrictors such as oxymetazoline, xylometazoline and phenylepherine constrict (shrink) the blood vessels in your sinus passages and provide temporary relief from sinus congestion. These nasal sprays when used for longer than the recommended time period cause abnormal swelling of the nasal membranes (rebound congestion). This is relieved by using the offending nasal spray thus the sufferer becomes caught in a vicious cycle.
The delicate lining of the nasal passages can be permanently damaged.
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
Since a sinus infection or sinus allergies may have been the initial reason for using the decongestant nasal spray, once the nasal spray addiction has been effectively treated the underlying condition may also have to be dealt with.
Discontinue use – Discontinuing use of the offending nasal spray can be an extremely difficult process however the light at the end of the tunnel is that it will work. You have to be prepared for the breathing difficulties and other side effects you may experience due to the decongestant no longer being in your system.
One nostril method – Stop using your nasal spray in one nostril and continue to spray the other. This means that one side of your sinuses will suffer rebound congestion while you can still breathe out the other side. Once the rebound congestion has subsided you can stop using your nasal spray altogether. This method does work, though not for everyone.
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.
Nasal irrigation – A neti pot is used to irrigate the sinuses with either an isotonic or hypertonic solution. An isotonic solution has the same salt concentration as your body. A hypertonic solution has a higher salt content and may be more useful at drawing moisture and mucous from the sinuses. This may help reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion. It is a good practice for keeping your sinuses clean and removing irritants. It is completely safe provided you use the correct saline solution. However it is usually carried out in the home environment, is not convenient and many people either do not like the process and/or find it difficult to do.
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.
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Learn more about nasal spray addiction and natural nasal sprays. Please visit Rachel at SinuSoothe’s website where she is always glad to be of assistance. Rachel Scott Ph.D. provides free advice to sinus sufferers.
Related posts:
- Saline Nasal Sprays – Tips From a Sinus Expert
- Sterimar Nasal Spray – Everything You Need to Know
- Capsaicin Nasal Sprays – How do They Work?
- How to Treat Post-nasal Drip Effectively
- The Views of a Sinus Expert – Sinus Buster
- Effective Treatments to Relieve Rhinitis
- Sinol – Does it Help Sinus Conditions?
- Effective Natural Nasal Sprays
- The Best Alternatives to Steroid Nasal Sprays Such as Nasonex, Veramyst, Beconase and Rhinocort
- How to Treat Sinus Allergies With Proven Natural Remedies
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