What happens if you use nasal spray too much?

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 nostril membranes. Don't let that scare you from getting the relief you need.

What happens if you use nasal spray more than directed?

DNSs are supposed to be used for a maximum of three days. If you use them longer than that, they can cause rebound congestion. Doctors call this rhinitis medicamentosa. It means congestion caused by medication.

How much nasal spray is too much?

Don't use a spray more than once every 12 hours, or longer than 3 days.

What are the side effects of long-term use of nasal spray?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/fast/pounding heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, shaking (tremors), unusual sweating, unusual weakness.

Can nasal spray cause damage?

Nasal decongestant sprays offer temporary relief from stuffy or congested noses caused by allergies, sinusitis or other issues. Unfortunately, the overuse of nasal sprays can be damaging to the nasal tissue. Long-term use of nasal sprays can lead to deteriorated nasal cartilage, resulting in a saddle nose deformity.

Addicted to nasal spray: The risks of instant relief

Is it OK if nasal spray goes down throat?

If the pump spray is used correctly, the spray should not drip from your nose or down the back of your throat. If your nose hurts, if you begin to have nosebleeds, or if the inside of your nose stings, stop using the spray for 1 to 2 days.

Is it safe to use nasal spray everyday?

To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than three days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.

Can nasal spray affect your heart?

Nasal sprays/decongestants.

These drugs often contain vasoconstrictors that narrow your blood vessels, which can cause heart problems with long-term, frequent use.

Is rebound congestion permanent?

Rebound congestion often goes away once you stop using decongestant nasal sprays, but abruptly stopping the medication cold turkey can cause more congestion and swelling. Some people may benefit from decreasing the use of decongestants gradually.

How long does it take for rebound congestion to go away?

Rebound Congestion occurs then the 3 turbinates (superior, middle and inferior) are abnormally enlarged and block the nasal airflow into the nasopharynx. When the sprays are withdrawn, patients endure a period of extreme discomfort that often lasts 4-7 days.

Can you be addicted to nasal spray?

For the majority of nasal sprays, the answer is NO. Nasal steroids sprays (Flonase®, Nasocort®, Nasonex®, etc. ) are safe to use on a daily basis and are now largely over-the-counter. These sprays are non-addictive and typically do not cause any long term changes to the nasal passages.

Can nasal spray damage your sense of smell?

Consumers should stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and related products because they can permanently damage the sense of smell, federal health regulators said Tuesday.

Are nasal sprays safe?

Prolonged use can lead to rebound swelling and, ironically, long-term stuffiness. Steroid sprays, while not habit forming, don't show any increased benefit if used more than once a day. Also, any nasal spray can irritate the tissue inside the nose and cause nosebleeds.

What is rebound congestion like?

Rebound congestion is a worsening of your nasal congestion due to nasal decongestant sprays such as Afrin (oxymetazoline). Rebound congestion is also known as rhinitis medicamentosa, chemical rhinitis, nasal spray addiction.

How can I unblock my nose?

Why is nose spray addictive?

A drug addiction changes your brain and the way you act. If you're addicted to a drug, you might keep using it, even though you know it hurts you. A rebound effect happens when your nose gets used to the medicine in the nasal spray, so much so that the spray doesn't work to clear your congestion anymore.

Can nasal spray make congestion worse?

If a nasal decongestant spray is a fixture in your medication lineup, it's important to know that using these sprays for more than three consecutive days can actually worsen your congestion. "This side effect of nasal decongestant sprays is called rebound congestion," says Dr.

How do I stop rebound nasal congestion?

If you have rebound congestion, stop using the spray and wait. Call your doctor if you need help. To prevent rebound congestion, use decongestant spray for no more than a few days in a row.

Can nasal spray cause breathing problems?

There are many nasal spray medications that are readily available for over-the-counter purchase to manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, ongoing use of these medications has the potential to lead to worsening of symptoms such as breathing difficulty and may cause damage to the nose.

Does nose spray raise blood pressure?

Topical nasal decongestants such as Afrin (oxymetazoline), Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine), Privine (naphazoline), and Vicks VapoRub Inhaler (l-desoxyephedrine/levmetamfetamine) can also cause an increase in blood pressure.

Can nasal spray cause palpitations?

Many over-the-counter decongestants have pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. These ingredients can cause heart palpitations or raise your blood pressure.

How long can you use a nasal spray?

“Nasal sprays aren't addicting, but they can become habit-forming and in general, you shouldn't use them for more than three days,” says Dr. Kravchuck. “Using them longer invites building up a tolerance to the medicines, which is called the rebound effect.” Along with that comes common minor side effects, too.

How often can I use saline nasal spray?

Use up to 8 ounces of solution in each nasal cavity 1-2 times daily, or as often as prescribed by a health care provider. Older children can do this in the shower, too • Lower child's head over a sink and turn the head so that left nostril is down.