Nasal Spray Addiction Treatments and Relief
Unfortunately millions of people worldwide suffer from this medical condition.
Definition
Nasal spray addiction (Rhinitis Medicamentosa) is the term used to describe the dependency on over the counter decongestant nasal sprays due to them causing rebound congestion (congestion worse than before the nasal spray was used).
Causes
Over the counter decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylepherine etc. (topical vacoconstrictors) temporarily reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, open the nasal passages and provide relief from nasal congestion etc. However when these are used for more than 3 consecutive days they cause rebound congestion. Rebound congestion is the result of abnormal hypertrophy (enlargement) and swelling of the nasal membranes. This blocks the nasal passages causing the nasal congestion and associated symptoms. This rebound congestion is temporarily relieved by using the offending nasal spray. Therefore a vicious cycle of dependency ensues.
The delicate lining of the nasal passages can be permanently damaged.
Symptoms
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
Treatments
It is important to note that the nasal spray addiction is a consequence of using a decongestant nasal spray to relieve the symptoms of a previous sinus condition. Therefore once the nasal spray addiction has been dealt with it may still be necessary to treat the cause of the original sinus condition such as infection or allergies. Please refer to my other articles: Acute and Chronic Sinusitis Treatments and Relief & Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis Treatments and Relief.
Discontinue use – Going ‘cold turkey’ and stopping use of the decongestant nasal spray can eventually break the dependency. However this can cause sleep deprivation, anxiety, extreme nasal congestion etc. and general suffering and misery.
Natural nasal sprays – Natural nasal sprays such as SinuSoothe can be used to replace the offending decongestant nasal spray. SinuSoothe relieves nasal congestion, inflammation, pain, headaches etc. and can be used regularly on a long term basis. It has no side effects, is non-addictive and doesn’t cause rebound congestion. Since the active ingredients improve blood flow and regenerate cell production it can help heal any damaged nasal tissue. It can also treat any underlying bacterial/fungal infections and allergies that may have caused the initial sinus condition. For further information please visit www.sinusoothe.com.
Dosage filtration systems – Dosage filtration systems such as Rhinostat allow you to wean yourself from decongestant nasal sprays. Rhinostat allows addicted people to control the dosage strength of the decongestant nasal spray they use. Rhinostat provides the user with apparatus that allows them to progressively reduce the concentration of the active compound in their decongestant. However it will not treat any underlying infection or allergy, that may have caused the initial sinus condition. For further information please visit www.nasalspray.com.
Saline nasal sprays – Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar are useful for moisturising 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. For further information please visit www.sterimar.com.
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.
Natural anti-inflammatories- Since the symptoms of nasal spray addiction are caused by inflammation it follows that by reducing inflammation you will reduce the severity of the symptoms. Omega 3,6 &9 oils, vitamin C, turmeric and ginger are all excellent natural anti-inflammatories. There are plenty of others and your local health food store should be able to advise you on these. It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect.
As with any medical condition you should consult your doctor before undertaking any new treatment.
About the Author
Rachel Scott works in the research and development department of SinuSoothe LLC. She has a Ph.D. in Ethnobotany and is one of the worlds leading experts in the treatment of sinus conditions. For further information on nasal spray addiction or natural nasal sprays please visit her website.
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