Are Nasal Sprays Helping Or Hurting Your Stuffy Nose?

Are Nasal Sprays Helping Or Hurting Your Stuffy Nose?

Nasal Decongestants or “Nasal Sprays” can certainly be helpful, but only in the short term. Nasal sprays such as Afrin or Neosynephrine can lose their effectiveness if used for too long. They work by shrinking congested blood vessels and opening clogged nasal passages, and because they are sprayed directly in the nose they provide quick relief.

If you have a cold or other virus in your nose, nasal decongestants can provide temporary relief so you can breathe better and sleep. However, many times individuals think they have a cold when they really have an allergy or something else that is triggering their nasal congestion. According to the label, nasal decongestants should only be used for 3-5 days. If used for longer not only do they lose their effectiveness, they can also cause other problems. When patients start to complain that the spray is giving them relief for a shorter and shorter amount of time, they are experiencing a rebound phenomenon from the medication and it will continue to get worse.

If you are experiencing any of the following issues, contact us right away:

• Your congestion is limited to only your nose
• Your nasal congestion is chronic 9 months + or has it lasted more than 3 weeks
• You have stopped using the nasal spray and are having headaches, restlessness or anxiety
• You can’t pinpoint what is triggering your nasal congestion
• The nasal spray is no longer effective at reducing the nasal congestion
• You can’t breathe through your nose- as a result getting dry mouth
• Your quality of sleep is affected due to nasal congestion
• You can’t smell or breathe through your nose

To learn more or to request an appointment call Odalys Alfonso at (954) 389-1414 or fill the short form below.