Nasal Spray Addiction

When one catches a cold, the blood vessels present in the nasal cavity dilate. This causes fluid to enter the tissues which in turn leads to the blockage of the nasal passages. When one suffers from nasal congestion, it becomes almost impossible for one to breathe through his/her nose. Under such circumstances, one would naturally look for remedies or products that would provide instant relief from nasal congestion. No wonder, one is tempted to use a nasal spray. One must, however, understand that there's a risk of one developing a nasal spray addiction in event of excessive use of nasal sprays. Moreover, the relief doesn't last for long. Using a nasal spray doesn't solve the problem. In fact, you will be stuck in a vicious circle, for excessive use of nasal sprays makes one susceptible to rebound nasal congestion. Even though you might find them very useful initially, you need to find out more about the side effects of nasal sprays.

Why Does One Get Addicted to Nasal Sprays?

You might have experienced great relief when you first administered a nose spray to the nasal passage. When you use the spray, it constricts the blood vessels in the nose. The swelling gets reduced and the nasal passages open up and we can breathe freely. But the effect of the nasal spray is just temporary. Blood vessels start expanding and you might again find yourself struggling with a stuffy nose. The temporary relief provided by a nasal decongestant spray seems so enticing that people end up using the spray repeatedly and this causes a nose spray addiction. Some people become very dependent on it. They carry the nasal spray with them and feel distressed if they cannot use it. It is extremely essential to prevent yourself from becoming so dependent on a product. One must overcome this addiction soon.

Side Effects Associated with Excessive Use of Nasal Sprays

Rhinitis medicamentosa or rebound nasal congestion is one of the most serious side effects. It is caused due to nasal spray tolerance. With time, your nose might become tolerant. The spray might try to constrict the vessels but at the same time, your body tries to dilate the nasal blood vessels. Therefore, you might not be able to get the same kind of relief that you experienced the first time, but because you have a stuffy nose, you might want to carry the spray with you all the time. This is a very discomforting situation and you should try to find an effective treatment soon. Those who use nasal sprays frequently might also experience certain side effects. Some of the common side effects include nosebleeds, coughing, watering of eyes, allergic reactions, rapid heartbeat and post nasal drip.

How to Prevent Nasal Spray Addiction

Though you might be tempted to use the spray more often, you need to understand that overuse can prolong your discomfort. If you are using a nasal spray to ease your discomfort, you must use it as per the instructions given on the label. You could also use oral decongestants and antihistamines to break this vicious cycle of using nasal sprays. You also have the option of trying homeopathy. Another option would be to try methods from alternative healing therapies. Nasal irrigation is one such method which not only helps in getting rid of nasal congestion but also eliminates the risk of chronic sinus infections and nasal allergies. With all these options available, you must resist the temptation of using the nasal spray. The most important step is to tell yourself not to use the nasal spray repeatedly.

Now that you have some idea about the ill effects associated with the overuse of nasal sprays, do try to resist the temptation of using these sprays all the time. If you suffer from recurring bouts of nasal congestion, seek medical help. Following tried-and-tested home remedies may also help to alleviate the symptoms of nasal congestion to some extent.