It was just summer, then the temperature dropped and then it happened: You caught a bad cold or even a corona infection. Particularly annoying: runny nose and a stuffy nose. Nasal sprays can relieve the symptoms, but they can also be addictive. You can do that not to Dependent on nasal spray to become.
That way you don’t become addicted to nasal spray
How does nasal spray work and why can it be addictive?
Anyone who suffers from a stuffy nose can hardly imagine anything nicer than finally breathe freely again to be able to Nasal sprays have a decongestant effect. You make sure yourself die Constrict blood vessels in the mucous membranes. The blood supply decreases and the mucous membranes swell.
Unfortunately, the application creates a habituation effect. You have to spray again after just a few hours, as the mucous membranes have already gotten used to the active ingredients. Instead, you need an ever-increasing dose. This is called the rebound effect. If you use nasal spray for more than a week, there is a risk of becoming dependent.
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The correct use for a blocked nose
Even if it is already pointed out in the package leaflet, the spray not to be used for more than 7 dayspharmacists often warn against becoming addicted to nasal spray when selling.
In any case, you should follow the instructions on the package insert. It is also noted there how often the nasal spray can be used daily (about three times a day).
Instead of relying on nasal spray and risking an addiction, you can too gentler alternative methods try like:
- Nasal douches with common salt
- Inhale with hot steam
- Use of sea salt sprays and nourishing nasal ointments
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Consequences of a nasal spray addiction
Who nasal spray dependent is, must fear permanent damage: the nasal mucosa dries out and bleeds easily. This allows pathogens more easily penetrate and you get infections more often. There may be a hole in the nasal septum. The sense of smell is also affected.
At some point, the tissue in the nose is so damaged that bacteria can spread and secrete putrid substances. These cause a bad smell. This is called a disease Stinknase.
Also the psychological effects are not to be underestimated: those affected can no longer sleep or go to sports without a nasal spray, can no longer leave the house without a bottle and may even be afraid of suffocating.
What to do if I’m addicted to nasal spray?
There are several ways to get rid of addiction. In any case, one should realize that continued use of nasal spray is not a solution, but only exacerbated the problem. Possible options are:
- Talk to an ENT doctor about the problem: They can prescribe a cortisone nasal spray that is non-addictive and rebuilds the nasal mucosa. An examination will also determine how much the nose has already been damaged and whether e.g. B. an operative correction of the nasal septum is necessary.
- Reduce dosage slowly: Anyone who reduces the dose slowly and z. For example, switching to a children’s nasal spray can break the addiction more easily. Important: It must not be sprayed more often than before, otherwise the effect is lost.
- One Hole Therapy: Another option is to skip the nasal spray for one nostril for now. As soon as you can breathe better through this, you should also omit the nasal spray on the other.
Conclusion: This is how you get through the cold without becoming addicted to nasal spray
While it’s possible to break a nasal spray addiction, it’s best not to let it get to that point in the first place. Therefore, always follow the information on the package insert or, if in doubt, ask the pharmacy. Try to keep the dose as low as possible and instead use gentle methods like nasal irrigation and inhalation.
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