The Effects of Long-Term Use of Nasal Decongestant Sprays

Whether it's allergy season or you're fighting a cold, a decongestant can often help relieve your sinus discomfort--and help you work, sleep and breathe. Many doctors recommend topical decongestant sprays to reduce sinus inflammation and promote drainage. While these nasal sprays help with symptom management, it's important to follow the instructions and listen to your physician's dosing suggestions. Long-term use of nasal spray can exacerbate congestion and lead to serious side effects.

Ingredients

• Over-the-counter topical decongestant sprays contain ingredients like oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine and ephedrine. In oral form, some of these decongestants take a while to kick in, and can make you drowsy as they begin to work. Nasal decongestant sprays, on the other hand, go right to the source of your sinus congestion and rarely make you sleepy. And, according to Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist James T. Li, the active ingredients in nasal sprays are not habit forming, making them safe to use for short-term relief.

Use

• Your nasal decongestant spray will work better if you blow your nose before using it. After clearing your nose, hold your head upright and place 1/2 to 3/4 inch of the decongestant applicator into your nostril. Squeeze the bottle to spray the medication, inhaling deeply as the mist enters your nose. Take several more deep breaths to ensure the medication enters your sinus passages.

  Every nasal decongestant spray comes with instructions for use, and the dosage may vary with long-acting medications. Follow the instructions on the bottle or listen to your physician's dosing tips to avoid overdosing.

Benefits

• Topical decongestant sprays are used for temporary relief of stuffy nose, sinus congestion, persistent drainage and ear fullness. As sinus tissues swell, they reduce air flow and prevent mucous from draining properly. Nasal decongestant sprays reduce this congestion and encourage drainage.

  If you're nose is runny or itchy, a decongestant probably won't help. Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve these symptoms more effectively.

Side Effects

• Topical decongestant sprays are usually safe when used properly, though some patients complain of short-term nasal itching, burning or dryness. If the spray is used more often than recommended, patients may experience "rebound congestion." The sinuses begin to require more medication to achieve the same effect, and this persistent overuse can actually exacerbate congestion.

  Once the medication is discontinued, rebound congestion usually clears up. If the patient continues to misuse the nasal spray, however, it can result in permanent damage to the nasal passages. Termed "rhinitis medicamentosa," this condition comes with sinus dryness, persistent stuffiness, regular nose bleeds, headaches and even a loss of smell and taste. Some addicted patients also complain of feeling jittery, irritable and thirsty, especially as their medication dose wears off.

Warnings

• Topical decongestant sprays are an easy way to achieve short-term congestion relief, but they should be used carefully. Talk to your health practitioner if you have serious medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease or a thyroid condition. Nasal sprays may complicate these health problems. In addition, some topical decongestants are not recommended for patients taking antidepressants, anti-migraine medications, pain relievers or diet drugs. Before taking a new medication, read labels carefully and discuss your concerns with a qualified doctor or pharmacist.