How To Cure Nasal Spray Addiction Naturally
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).
Nasal spray addiction causes
Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, etc. (topical vasoconstrictors) 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 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.
Nasal spray addiction 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 (postnasal 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 heartbeat
Nasal spray addiction treatments
Treating nasal spray addiction with natural remedies is becoming more popular. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide suffer from this medical condition. It is important to note that 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.
Discontinue use – Going ‘cold turkey’ and stopping the 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 are doctor recommended and 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.
Gradual weaning –
It is possible to gradually wean yourself off of the offending decongestant nasal spray. Dilute it with a saline solution (a saline nasal spray would be ideal) say 90% decongestant to 10% saline for the first week reducing to an 80% decongestant to 20% saline mix the following week and so on. Eventually reducing the decongestant content to zero. This method is all about trial and error and each needs to adjust the mix to suit themselves.
Saline nasal sprays –
Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturizing 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.
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 sinusitis, allergies, and rhinitis 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.
How to Wean Yourself off Nasal Spray
Afrin, Oxymetazoline, Neo-Synephrine, Phenylephrine, and other over-the-counter decongestant sprays are common short-term remedies against nasal blockages, colds, sinusitis, and allergies. Afrin and other related decongestant nasal sprays These are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays that treat nasal congestion and nasal blockages caused by sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, or allergies.
Nasal Spray Types
The nasal spray is a type of drug that is inhaled through the nose. Nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, neo-synephrine, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline (which looks like an active ingredient) are considered decongestant nasal sprays. These sprays contain an effective vasoconstricting agent that essentially reduces blood flow to a person’s nose when the spray is used, resulting in a reduction in edema of the nasal mucosa.
How do you get the nasal spray out of the bottle to dilute it?
i was wondering the same thing!