Rebound Congestion Relief

In the short run, a decongestant nasal spray reduces inflammation and breaks up congestion. However, you can eventually become resistant to its effects, forcing you to use ever-increasing amounts over shorter periods of time. Excessive use of over-the-counter nasal spray can lead to even worse congestion than you had initially and persist after the cold or allergy trigger has passed. This condition is known as rebound congestion.

Self-Care Relief

• Stop "cold turkey." Resist the urge to reach for the spray bottle, and your congestion should dissipate in as little as a week.

  If you find this method too difficult, refrain from using the spray in just one nostril. Once you feel congestion lessen in that one, stop using the spray in the other nostril.

  Alternatively, dilute the decongestant nasal spray by adding increasing amounts of saline with each use. In effect, you will be tapering off the decongestant medication until you are only using saline.

  As you taper off the nasal decongestant, find relief with other treatments. Humidifiers loosen up a stuffy nose, helping you get a good night's sleep. Neti pots, which are devices used to rinse the nasal passages, also reduce congestion. Even increasing your fluid intake with teas and broths can ease stuffiness.

Professional Relief

• When home treatments fail, talk with a doctor. Often, you will receive a prescription for corticosteroids, such as prednisone. Treatment lasts as long as a week. Your doctor then can focus on the underlying condition that caused the congestion, such as an allergy or sinusitis.

Preventive Measures

• When the rebound congestion is gone, use a saline spray to maintain moisture within your nasal passages. This will help keep congestion from recurring. Also consider wearing nose strips at night; they keep your airways open and help you get a good night's rest.