When the nose is blocked, nasal sprays help to breathe and thus provide quick relief from acute rhinitis. But if used regularly for too long, there is a risk of nasal spray addiction: The nasal mucosa becomes accustomed to the active ingredient and the spray must be used more frequently to achieve the desired effect. In the long run, this vicious circle damages the nasal mucosa and can lead to nosebleeds and, in extreme cases, to a so-called “stinky nose” (rhinitis atrophicans). With us you will learn how to recognize a nasal spray addiction and what you can do against the dependence.
Why nasal sprays are addictive
Decongestant nasal sprays usually contain the active ingredients xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. These bind to receptors on the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa and cause vasoconstriction. As a result, the nasal mucosa swells and the nose is “free” again. However, prolonged use of nasal spray leads to the development of tolerance: more receptors are formed, which also become less sensitive to the active substance. As a result, the effect wears off more quickly. Under certain circumstances, the nasal mucosa even swells more when the effect wears off – this is then called the rebound phenomenon.
Symptoms of nasal spray addiction
An addiction to nasal spray is manifested by both increasingly frequent and increasingly unsuccessful use of the spray. This is accompanied by a chronically stuffy nose (rhinitis medicamentosa). In extreme cases, suffocation may even occur as part of the rebound phenomenon. Due to the diminishing effect, those affected use the nasal spray more frequently or switch to a preparation with a higher dosage. Blocked nose – what to do? Tips and home remedies
Dry nose as a result
As a result of excessive use of the nasal spray, the nasal mucosa dries out: It can become cracked and tend to form bark. This can easily lead to nosebleeds. In addition, the nasal mucosa is not sufficiently supplied with blood due to the permanently constricted blood vessels and thus its natural defense function is disturbed. This leads to an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
“Stinky nose” caused by bacteria
In severe cases, nasal spray addiction can lead to degradation (atrophy) of the nasal mucosa. This causes the mucosa to recede along with the vessels and glands, which means that the air breathed cannot be adequately moistened. The result is a dilated nasal cavity in which bark and crusts can form due to the dryness. These are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria such as Klebsiella ozaenae. If this bacterial strain attacks the nasal mucosa, a sweet and foul odor is formed. Since this also damages the olfactory nerve fibers, the stench is usually first noticed by the patient’s relatives.5 facts about nasal spray addiction – iStock.com/djvstock
Fighting nasal spray addiction
Breaking the habit of excessive nasal spray use is difficult for many sufferers. This is because during the weaning process, it is usually necessary to endure a few days with a blocked nose. But there are some ways that can make withdrawal easier and reduce the risk of relapse:
- Weaning off one nostril: Initially, refrain from using the spray on only one nostril. When this has recovered after a few days and can breathe freely without nasal spray, it is the turn of the other side.
- Cortisone spray: have your doctor prescribe a nasal spray containing cortisone. Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the swelling of the irritated nasal mucosa.
- Dose reduction: switch to a nasal spray for children or infants without increasing the number of applications per day. It contains a smaller amount of active ingredient and can thus help weaning. Later, you can dilute the children’s nasal spray with saline until you get by with pure seawater spray.
- Moistening the nose: seawater nasal sprays as well as nasal ointments with the active ingredient dexpanthenol moisten the nose and help regenerate the mucous membrane.
- Tablets with pseudoephedrine: Under certain circumstances, tablets containing pseudoephedrine can be useful in the therapy of a nasal spray addiction. Pseudoephedrine also has a decongestant effect, but it does not act directly on the mucosa and therefore does not dry it out. However, you should not take these drugs without consulting your doctor.
In addition, it is important to find out the cause of nasal spray addiction and treat it.In many cases, for example, there is a previously undetected allergy that causes a chronically stuffy nose.
Avoid dependence: 6 tips
To completely renounce nasal spray for fear of dependence is not sensible. After all, when you have a cold, your body needs enough sleep to recover. Therefore, you may well reach for the nasal spray in acute colds to clear the nose in the short term. However, you should keep a few things in mind when using it to avoid a nasal spray addiction:
- Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than seven days and no more than two to three times a day. If cold symptoms have not improved after a week, see a doctor.
- Nasal sprays for children are usually lower doses. Use the lowest dosage you can get by with.
- Nasal rinses with seawater can clear the nose without drying it out.
- Seawater nasal sprays can be used without hesitation several times a day for a long time. They moisturize the nose and counteract dehydration.
- When sitting or lying down, the nasal mucosa swells increasingly. Sometimes it already helps to stand up and walk a few steps to relieve a stuffy nose.
- Dry heating air promotes swelling of the nasal mucosa: A walk in the fresh air can work wonders for a stuffy nose.
