Nasal Spray Side Effects You Need to be Aware of

A cold can be miserable. The nasal congestion and stuffiness are almost guaranteed to keep you awake at night unless you take measures to relieve the congestion. That’s why it’s so tempting to reach for a bottle of nasal spray to get the instant relief that will assure you at least a few hours of sleep. Yes, over-the-counter nasal sprays work well for congestion but, unfortunately, they’re not without problems. What are nasal spray side effects you need to be aware of?

Over-the-counter nasal sprays, such as Afrin and Mucinex, can be conveniently purchased at your local drugstore. When these products are sprayed into swollen nasal passages, relief from the stuffiness usually comes quickly. These sprays exert their magic by constricting blood vessels in the nose. When the blood vessels are constricted, the swelling goes down and you breathe easier. Unfortunately, once the nasal spray wears off, the blood vessels dilate and the stuffy nose returns. The natural reaction for most people is to reuse the spray again. This is when nasal spray side effects can become a problem.

It’s advised that you never use over-the-counter nasal sprays for more than three days due to a nasal spray side effect known as rebound rhinitis. This occurs when after repeated use of nasal sprays the nasal passages become more congested when the spray is stopped, setting up an addictive pattern where the spray needs to be used regularly to keep the passages clear. In some cases, steroid nasal sprays and even oral steroid medications are needed to reduce rebound rhinitis and allow the person to get off of nasal sprays entirely. Many people don’t consider the seriousness of these nasal spray side effects when they innocently buy a bottle of nasal spray at their local drugstore.

Although it’s safe to use over-the-counter nasal sprays for several days without risk of rebound rhinitis, if possible, it’s best to avoid them entirely. An alternative that’s not addictive is to use saline nasal spray available at your local pharmacy. Saline nasal spray can help to clear some of the excess mucous from the nasal passages so you can breathe more easily. If stuffiness is your primary symptom, drinking hot tea or standing in a steam room or hot shower can help to open up swollen nasal passages. If your symptoms are severe or fail to respond to saline nasal sprays and steam, consult your doctor.