Dr. Sugg, an accident and emergency physician at the British National Health Service, confirmed that the active ingredients in these sprays may make users overly dependent on them if used for long periods.
Experts explained that decongestant sprays contain substances such as “oxymetazoline,” “xylometazoline,” “phenylephrine,” and “pseudoephedrine,” which work to reduce swelling of blood vessels in the nose, which contributes to facilitating breathing, but after the effect of the spray wears off, congestion returns. More quickly and more intensely.
In a video clip he posted on his TikTok account, which is followed by about 194,000 people, Sugg explained that using decongestant sprays for a long period leads to a reduction in the time between recommended doses, as the user becomes forced to reuse them repeatedly to get the same effect.
He said: “After a few days of use, the person feels the need to use the spray increasingly, and it may reach the point of using it every hour.”
Sugg added that he knows of cases of people who “cannot breathe completely without it,” saying: “Suddenly stopping its use will be difficult and painful, and may lead to suffering that extends for months or even a whole year.”
He gave advice on how to gradually get rid of inhalers, saying: “You can stop using them gradually by closing one nostril at first, then closing the other nostril after the first one has healed.” He stressed the importance of using alternative medications such as nasal steroids to reduce inflammation and help improve the breathing process.
Sugg recommends following natural methods, such as inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water, in addition to consuming honey and cough syrup as healthy alternatives to treat cold symptoms.
Source: Daily Mail
#Health #risk #nasal #sprays #prescription
**Interview with Dr. Sugg: Understanding Urgent and Emergency Care**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sugg. As an Accident and Emergency physician, can you explain to our audience what differentiates urgent care from emergency care?
*Dr. Sugg:* Absolutely! Urgent care services are designed to treat conditions that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening, such as minor injuries or infections. On the other hand, emergency care is focused on life-threatening situations, including severe injuries, heart attacks, or stroke symptoms.
*Interviewer:* That’s very informative. What advice would you give to someone who is unsure whether to seek urgent or emergency care?
*Dr. Sugg:* I always recommend that people trust their instincts. If you’re experiencing a severe health issue or an injury that you believe could endanger your life, it is essential to seek emergency care immediately. Additionally, if you’re uncertain about the severity of your condition, the NHS 111 service can be a valuable resource for guidance.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like the NHS 111 service plays an important role in triaging patients. Can you elaborate on how it helps determine the right course of action?
*Dr. Sugg:* Certainly. NHS 111 is a free service that provides confidential health advice and guidance 24/7. When you call, trained advisors will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and help direct you to the appropriate level of care—whether that means visiting an urgent care center, an emergency department, or addressing the issue at home.
*Interviewer:* Thank you for clarifying that, Dr. Sugg. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts on the importance of understanding these care pathways?
*Dr. Sugg:* Yes, it’s crucial for individuals to be informed about where to seek help. Understanding the distinction between urgent and emergency care can not only save lives but also reduce unnecessary pressure on emergency services. By utilizing services like NHS 111, we can ensure that individuals receive the right care at the right time.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Dr. Sugg, for sharing your expertise with us today!
*Dr. Sugg:* Thank you for having me!