Can nasal decongestants create addiction?

Not because you can buy them without a prescription you should trust yourself, nasal decongestants spray sold in pharmacies have a double side and misuse of these could bring you some problems. It is true that before a cold, cold or flu in which you have trouble breathing, or even in cases of allergy, there is no choice but to go to them but always read the leaflet and take into account several factors when using this type of medications.

What happens if you overdo using your spray?

In those days that you have such a big congestion that when you lie down prevents you from breathing, it is normal to go to a nasal decongestant that allows you to sleep and rest at least a few hours. What happens with these aerosols is that by producing rapid relief of congestion symptoms but with a short duration, they tend to abuse them thus exceeding the recommended daily dose on many occasions.

What this type of aerosols do is act on the nervous system causing a vasoconstriction of the mucosa in order to free the airways and clear the nose. When the use of the spray is abused, the body responds to that forced decongestion causing greater inflammation thus having the dreaded bouncing effect that makes us unable to breathe or using the nasal decongestant so you continue to use even more to breathe and thus produces a loop that is difficult to dodged. So that this does not happen, it is not necessary to exceed the application of the medicine from the first moment. If you still can't get out of this vicious circle, you probably end up having chronic rhinitis, that is, you will live attached to your decongestant spray.

How to avoid its continued use?

First read the prospectus well, surely state clearly that you should not exceed a number of days, usually 3 but it can be delayed with some active ingredients. If you can't stop using your spray on those days because you're still suffering from significant congestion Try to leave it gradually alternating its use with natural solutions such as nasal washes with saline or products based on sea salt To clean the nose

Some vasoconstrictor substances such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine do not generate that rebound effect but still have to be careful with them since its continued use is not recommended because it affects health.

How does the use of decongestants affect health?

What these drugs do is reduce the blood supply by contracting the arteries and reducing the volume of the so-called turbinates, structures that regulate the flow of air, thus improving nasal permeability. Because of this There have been some adverse effects that you should not overlook, such as tachycardia, headaches, anxiety, sweating, insomnia or increased blood pressure.

As these drugs generate tolerance, and have a clear and proven rebound effect, the nasal congestion becomes greater before an abuse of the aerosol that, as we told you, can get to generate a chronic rhinitis and even move to older necrosing nasal structures and even piercing the nasal septum. We don't want to get this point under any circumstances, right? This moderates its use because they are more dangerous than they appear.

How to decongest the nose naturally?

To help clear your nostrils naturally, how it helps your nasal spray or how to reduce its consumption you can do several things. Drinking a lot is one of the best tips we can give you, drink a lot of water, infusions, broths, juices … if they have vitamin C they will also help reduce the symptoms of cold or flu.

Do not forget resort to a humidifier to maintain the environment with optimum humidity levels since dryness aggravates the problem of nasal congestion when the mucosa is dry.

Tricks like sleeping with several pillows to keep your head up makes breathing easier and it will be a great help when it comes to feeling more comfortable and being able to fall asleep better.

Certain Essential oils applied topically or in your humidifier will also help to improve congestion and clear the nose, in addition to treating the disease that causes that symptom. Oils such as ravintsara, eucalyptus, mint or rosemary are good options to use in case of nasal congestion. And of course, don't smoke!