Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Is Nasal Spray Safe To Use? Here's What A Doctor Recommends

Last week, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) advised the public to not use nasal decongestant for more than seven days. The guidelines said that it contains xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Prolonged use of which could cause 'rebound congestion' or increase dependency on these sprays to breathe easily. 

Recently, with the flu cases rising, flu-like symptoms, including nose congestion too have gone up. It is because of this reason, many are using <span>nasal spray</span> continuously, which could cause rebound congestion. 

To understand this better, Health and Me spoke to Dr Pranita Bauskar, ENT, Apollo Spectra, Pune. 

<h2>What Did The Doctor Say About Nasal Spray Usage?</h2>

Nasal sprays are widely used by many people to relieve a blocked or stuffy nose caused by colds or allergies. Dr Bauskar explained, "These nasal sprays are known to provide immediate relief. Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than 5 to 7 days could worsen the congestion and steal the piece of mind."

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/nasal-spray-warning-over-rebound-congestion-experts-say-it-should-not-be-use-for-more-than-7-days-article-153419611" data-type="tilCustomLink">Nasal Spray Warning Over 'Rebound Congestion'; Experts Say It Should Not Be Used For More Than 7 Days</a>

<h2>What Does Rebound Congestion Mean?</h2>

Doctor says that as the nose becomes more blocked once the medication wears off, this creates a cycle of dependency. "Hence, it is necessary to limit the use of decongestant sprays to a few days only."

Dr Bauskar says, "you can try safer alternatives such as saline nasal sprays or rinses to keep nasal passages moist." Furthermore, the doctor suggests to not to forget to take steam "at least two times a day". "Doing so will help to ease congestion. Ensure to take warm showers, and you will feel better," noted Dr Bauskar. 

It is imperative to have allergy medications like antihistamines if allergies persist, as prescribed by the doctor, noted the doctor. 

"Everyone is also advised to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and liquids. Try to use a humidifier at home. If a person has congestion for over a week and is unable to breathe ,then don’t rely on nasal sprays and consult the doctor to rule out infections or other underlying problems," said Dr Bauskar. 

<h2>Is Rebound Congestion Preventable?</h2>

It is a preventable condition, and is scientifically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, which causes the symptoms to worsen. Patients become depended on the sprays to breathe more easily.

RPS survey of 300 pharmacists found that 59% think the public is not aware of the risks, while 75% said packaging should be clearer about the seven-day limit. 63% said they had intervened in cases of suspected overuse.

Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at RPS told the ITV News, "Nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for short-term relief, but using them for longer than seven days can make your congestion significantly worse. Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realizing they could be prolonging their symptoms. We'd like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can't miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit. If your congestion lasts more than a week, speak to your pharmacist. There are safe and effective alternative options to help you manage your symptoms."

Another survey by ITV News suggests that more than a fifth of adults have used the products for longer than seven days. This means 5.5 million people in the UK may have risked developing a dependency.

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Last week, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) advised the public to not use nasal decongestant for more than seven days. The guidelines said that it contains xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Prolonged use of which could cause 'rebound congestion' or increase dependency on these sprays to breathe easily. Recently, with the flu cases rising, flu-like symptoms, including nose congestion too have gone up. It is because of this reason, many are using nasal spray continuously, which could cause rebound congestion. To understand this better, Health and Me spoke to Dr Pranita Bauskar, ENT, Apollo Spectra, Pune. What Did The Doctor Say About Nasal Spray Usage?Nasal sprays are widely used by many people to relieve a blocked or stuffy nose caused by colds or allergies. Dr Bauskar explained, "These nasal sprays are known to provide immediate relief. Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than 5 to 7 days could worsen the congestion and steal the piece of mind."Read: Nasal Spray Warning Over 'Rebound Congestion'; Experts Say It Should Not Be Used For More Than 7 DaysWhat Does Rebound Congestion Mean?Doctor says that as the nose becomes more blocked once the medication wears off, this creates a cycle of dependency. "Hence, it is necessary to limit the use of decongestant sprays to a few days only."What Can Be Used Instead?Dr Bauskar says, "you can try safer alternatives such as saline nasal sprays or rinses to keep nasal passages moist." Furthermore, the doctor suggests to not to forget to take steam "at least two times a day". "Doing so will help to ease congestion. Ensure to take warm showers, and you will feel better," noted Dr Bauskar. It is imperative to have allergy medications like antihistamines if allergies persist, as prescribed by the doctor, noted the doctor. "Everyone is also advised to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and liquids. Try to use a humidifier at home. If a person has congestion for over a week and is unable to breathe ,then don’t rely on nasal sprays and consult the doctor to rule out infections or other underlying problems," said Dr Bauskar. Is Rebound Congestion Preventable?It is a preventable condition, and is scientifically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, which causes the symptoms to worsen. Patients become depended on the sprays to breathe more easily.RPS survey of 300 pharmacists found that 59% think the public is not aware of the risks, while 75% said packaging should be clearer about the seven-day limit. 63% said they had intervened in cases of suspected overuse.Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at RPS told the ITV News, "Nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for short-term relief, but using them for longer than seven days can make your congestion significantly worse. Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realizing they could be prolonging their symptoms. We'd like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can't miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit. If your congestion lasts more than a week, speak to your pharmacist. There are safe and effective alternative options to help you manage your symptoms."Another survey by ITV News suggests that more than a fifth of adults have used the products for longer than seven days. This means 5.5 million people in the UK may have risked developing a dependency.