Convenience kills. If you contemplate this long and hard enough, you’ll probably agree.
In the long run, “convenience” makes its mark on our health along with our pocketbooks. One of those conveniences we’ve come to count on is nasal sprays, which offer us instant gratification, but not without a price.
Yes, it clears a stuffy nose in a pinch; just a couple of squirts neutralize swollen nasal tissues in just seconds or minutes. Some brands can even offer 12 hours of long-lasting relief. This “relief” can be quite costly in terms of overuse (dependency) and addiction.
Dr. David Vernick of Deaconess Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston warns about the nasal spray addiction phenomenon. Basically, we become accustomed to the immediate and complete relief; however, rebound congestion ensues. Then we become dependent and addicted to the remedies.
The reason we don't get cleared up and breathing fine is because after several days of usage the nasal membranes reswell. This pattern of usage continues, and any patient has a real good chance of becoming trapped in the vicious cycle of overuse/addiction. This can last from weeks to years; there’s even a website for addicts (afrinaddiction.com).
This addiction seems to fly under the radar for a couple of reasons. Most of the time at a physical, the doctor doesn’t look up your nose. Also, when he asks you about the medicines you take, most folks don’t even bother to mention the over-the-counter ones, although they should.
Decongestants are not a solution for the problem that seems to prompt their usage, except for the case of a common cold, and then, they should only be used for three days.
Seasonal or persistent allergies or chronic vasomotor rhinitis or an obstruction caused by a deviated septum should all be treated with nasal steroids, according to most doctors. This builds up their action over time to control chronic stuffiness without the risk of rebound or significant side effects. Also, oral decongestants that are time released are a good choice because they lack the potential, again, for the “rebound” effect of congestion promoting more spray use.
External strips that hold the nose open for easier breathing are also a good option along with Vicks or a similar product.
When discontinuing the nasal decongestant, start substituting with saline spray. This will make the transition easier and simultaneously will help heal the nasal tissues.
The addictive ingredients of the offenders are: phenylephrine, a short-acting vasoconstrictor (Neo-Synephrine) and Oxymetazoline along with xylometazoline (Afrin).
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