Nasal decongestants – think before you use them

Before you reach out for that nasal spray to relieve your stuffy nose, here's what you need to know about them.

Agencies | Updated: January 30, 2014 7:39 pm

Winter has kicked in and so has the season for catching colds. Therefore, suffering a blocked nose is quite common. And then there are those TV commercials that lure you into using nasal sprays and decongestants to seek quick relief from your annoying stuffy nose. Tempting as it may seem, playing doctor to yourself is not a good idea as they can be addictive. Which one should you buy? Should you blindly take what your local chemist gives you, as opposed to which one is best suited for you? Read on to know more…

Case Study

Forty-year-old Nishi Varma had been using nasal decongestants daily for four years. She visited the doctor and was diagnosed with atrophic rhinitis, a condition wherein the nasal mucous membranes and structures get damaged. Thereafter, she was treated with regular nasal douches and medication.

Types of nasal sprays

Did you know there are different types of nasal sprays namely — nasal saline sprays, nasal decongestant sprays and nasal steroid sprays? With each one having a specific purpose and neither to be used on a self-prescription basis. ‘They are not the same and none are to be used without a doctor’s prescription. Saline nasal sprays contain saline to lubricate nasal passages and keep them moist, especially used post-surgery. Whereas decongestants contain oxyzylometazoline (a drug which is used as a topical nasal decongestant) to be used occasionally, following prolonged blocked noses. On the other hand, nasal steroid sprays contain steroids to used in allergies,’ explains Dr Chris De Souza, consultant ENT and Head Neck Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital. (Read: Natural remedies for frequent cold and cough)

How do nasal decongestants work?

Nasal decongestants constrict the small blood vessels in the nasal mucosa causing the mucosa to shrink thus providing quick relief from nasal blockage. They should not be strictly used for more than five days at a stretch, warns Dr Sanjeev Badhwar, consultant ENT, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

Nasal saline spray is a safer option

In comparison to nasal decongestants and nasal steroid sprays, nasal saline sprays are a safe option. That’s because they do not contain any chemicals or drugs, and are non-addictive.

Who shouldn’t use nasal sprays?

Individuals suffering from sinusitis can use nasal decongestants for a short period. However, the main treatment of sinusitis remains systemic medication such as antibiotics, etc. Also, those with heart conditions should not use nasal decongestants, warns Dr Bhadwar. (Read: How to get instant relief from cough)

Side-Effects

Dr Badhwar lists the following side-effects of nasal decongestants:

Stinging, burning
Headaches
Increased heart rate
Insomnia
Rhinitis Medicamentosa. This is a condition where one suffers from constant nasal blockage due to damage of nerve endings in the nasal mucosa because of excessive use of nasal decongestants.

Source: DNA/Lisa Antao

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Published: December 9, 2013 12:26 pm | Updated:January 30, 2014 7:39 pm

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