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Why Overusing Nasal Sprays Is A Bad, Bad Idea

by — Last updated: 2015-09-02 in Ear, Nose, Throat, and Dental problems

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Do you find that you need more and more nasal spray to achieve the same effect? Have you been (mis)using Afrin or similar nasal decogestants for years?

What Is Rhinitis Medicamentosa?

Rhinitis medicamentosa can result in people who use nasal sprays like Afrin for more than three to five days straight. 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. You, in turn, may respond to the reduced efficacy of your favorite over-the-counter nasal spray by using more of it, leading to more damage and an even greater loss of efficacy. You may well find that your nose is blocked up more than it was before you ever started using the spray.

As an aside — yes, the manufacturers of your nasal spray do indeed warn you about the possibility of rhinitis medicamentosa, and you should not be using any nasal spray for more than five days in a row.

What Happens If  You Get Rhinitis Medicamentosa?

If you go to the doctor and fail to mention your consistent overuse of nasal sprays but you do mention the resulting symptoms — a very blocked nose, swollen nasal passages, headaches, and coughing — your doctor will have a very hard time reaching the right diagnosis. If you continue to overdo the nasal spray, the membrane separating your nostrils could even tear. Yikes!
 
How do you quit, then?
 
While SteadyHealth users who have personal experience with nasal spray "addiction" describe diluting their bottles of Afrin with saline solutions to create a semi-placebo effect and they discuss switching to other brands during the "withdrawal process", doctors are clear that there is only one way to quit Afrin and other nasal sprays: cold turkey. You may, however, need nasal steroids to restore your nasal mucosa if damage has been done. 

Can You Safely Use Nasal Sprays?

Are you scared of using nasal sprays after finding out that some people develop decades-long habits? Don't be. It is indeed safe to use nasal sprays if you suffer from nasal congestion, but the key is to use them as directed. Use your nasal spray for no longer than five days, and if your symptoms have not improved by that time, go to your family doctor for diagnosis and perhaps more radical treatment. 
If you already have a history of overusing nasal sprays, of course, you may want to skip that first step and head straight to the doctor. You don't want that vicious cycle to start again.