Nose spray for decongestion - General Health Message Board

RainyNight · 03-11-2007, 11:49 AM

I had a bad head cold 2 months ago that no sinus decongestant seemed to help except for the nose spray such as " afrin". Well here it is 2 months later and it seems as though if I don't use the spray, my nose becomes a brick wall. Impossible to breath. I told my doctor about it, and he said it was the remaning head cold and some allergies (that I have never had a problem with befor) mixed into it even though I dont think a cold would last 2 months ,and to use an alergy reliefe like claritin or somthing similar. Well its not helping either. the only thing that will work is the spray I am convinced, But I hate using. I'm not by any means "addicted" to it. But I hate not being able to breath. I think this spray has done somthing to nose. Has anyone ever had a problem like this? How did you get it under control? I so long to be able to have my sence of smell and taste back..;. Any help or information would be of great help. Thanks.

hyper79 · 03-11-2007, 01:40 PM

Hi, if you read the bottle on most of the otc nasal sprays they say 2 weeks tops!! I was addicted to the stuff for 5-6 years and when you get off it your problem is 10X as bad "rebound effect"and a month is long enough.Try steam,mints,sinus flushing,vapor rubs,saline type sprays ect.The sprays stop the natural flow of nasal secretions in turn they shrink your nasal membranes and cause excessive dryness,you need the secretions "mucus" to clear out allergins,dust ect. I used it so long I began having nose bleeds daily,no joke! By all means try other methods or see a ent for advice,I had sinus surgery a few years back and it helped but I still flush daily "no meds"I doubt you have done any damage with the time you have used it,try to quit it and bare with the stuffiness,it will get better in a few days. take care!!

dustoffkid · 03-11-2007, 03:05 PM

Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin are only meant to be taken for three days. Did you tell your doctor that you have been using it so much? He needs to know.

There are some sinus rinses available over the counter, I use the NeilMed one. Feels kind of strange the first time you use it but it really helps. Between that and my allergy med I am a whole new person.

Good luck.

microwave · 03-11-2007, 06:10 PM

You're not addicted to the nasal spray, but your nose is. You need to stop using it cold turkey until your nose can regulate itself again.

ILYF · 03-12-2007, 10:00 AM

Yes, nose spray is extremely addictive...just using it a few times will make your sinuses shut closed without it! Yes, you have to just stop using it cold turkey and it won't take long for your sinuses to stop relying on it.