Hooked on Nasal Sprays?

Dr. Brian Heaberlin (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor from Lexington, SC) discusses rhinitis medicamentosa - a condition where people are "addicted" to over-the-counter nasal sprays.

[alfdadlfj]

Easier way…. Do one nasal cavity at a time. So spray one cavity, leave the other. The untreated side will be stuffy for a few days but you’ll be able to breathe through the one you’re spraying. Do that for as long as it takes, once that side clears up, leave the other side and you’ll be fine. Within a few days the one will clear up, then go on to the next. I was addicted for years, 10+ pumps a day. Horrible.

[BklynBadBoy]

I was able to stop using nasal spray by first only stopping the use of the spray on one nostril, while I continued using it on the other. Once the rebound got better and I was able to breathe through that first nostril, I cut off on the other one. This way I was still able to breathe out of half my nose during the rebound rather than my mouth; It was much easier than stopping cold turkey on both nostrils due to feeling like having a brick in my face.

[WhirlOmar]

They should be sued for not having a clear warning.

[MrSiah]

Great information. Was having to use severe congestion and couldn’t breathe unless I used it. I’m on day three of cold turkey and have been using saline solution if it gets tough but I’m almost home free!

[ronhardin]

I had nasal surgery because I couldn't breath well. It was a horrible event to recover from, especially the first two weeks. This happened about 10 years ago and I have used decongestant nasal spray most of the time since then, usually at bedtime. I know it is causing me problems, but it still gives me relief. I'm 66 and struggling to sleep at night and suffer panic attacks about breathing . My oximeter shows me borderline (89) on my blood oxygen . Tonight will be my 2nd night cold turkey and I dread it so much. Gotta be an easier way.

[albertomarruffo]

I had this. I had to have surgery in 2008. And it’s was a great success. I kicked afrin when I got my surgery. And it sucked. Even if I took the afrin I would still not be able to breath through my nose. It was the healing process. I couldn’t breath thru my nose for a solid two weeks. It took another year of going to the ent. And it was finally healed. And I could breath for a few years. Then I started having the same symptoms as before. I couldn’t breath. So I went back to the ent. And he said to quit doing my sinus rinses for a while. So I did and now I can breathe. I only do the sinus rinses during allergy season. A few weeks every other day. It’s still good. But apparently there was tons of fluid build up in my maxillaries. And I’ve been clean from afrin since 2008. Even when I get sick I don’t take it. I just deal with a stuffed nose for a few days. And bam it’s back to normal agin. My advice. Don’t even start using this product if u don’t wanna get hooked.

[miikkam]

I got really addicted for years to a producr called Otrivin. Please, don’t make the same mistake I did. It eventually got so bad I had to go to hospital. Finally got rid of it after five long years. Been healthier ever since. Mark my words.

[Frye_]

I just glad that
More people are struggles with this

[ShelbyFarrow]

This time around I have been using Afrin or really the Wal Mart version, two sprays on each side every 12 hours for going on six straight years. I had been addicted to them a few times over the years. In 2014 I had been using them for a long time when my head and neck surgeon suggested doing a turbinate reduction procedure. I had that done and the recovery was terrible. The doctor said for me to stop using all sprays including Flonase. It was great for a couple of years or so and then I started to get plugged up again. Then I got a bad cold and start back on the Afrin and have never stopped. Now I am afraid I could get permanent damage in my sinuses or even cancer. Of my 57 years of being alive I have probably been addicted to the spray for about 15-20 years of it. I have tried just the Flonase and it really doesn't help.

[tomgold]

Dear doctor,
I’ve been using it for a month, didn’t know it was this harmful.
Is it possible to get better without using any other sprays or steroids ?

[mrryan]

Was on nasal spray for 4 years. On day 25 of cold turkey ( was apply to do so by wearing breathing strips 24 hrs a day) Went to ENT doctor was was given medication and a steroid spray. How long does it take for your nose to fully open and to breath without aid?
This is so hard and the depression is setting in.

[Christinax]

I am so glad I watched this video. I thought I was alone with this issue. I've been using nasal spray for over 5 months and I can't get my nose to unclog anymore. It's to the point that Afrin isn't even working unless it's the severe congestion spray and I need to use at least 5 to 6 squirts each nostril. My nose is so clogged that i am breathing thru my mouth all day long! I truly need help.

[JakubStrnad]

the loud sound at the end killed my ears!

[aundraehall]

I’ve been using those sprays since I was 18 and got sick in Basic Training. I’m 45 now and will can’t shake it. I use them every day. I’ve tried to stop, but Haven but been successful.

[kyleflood]

I work with 4 people who used afrin 1 time and been hooked for over 6 to 7 years i wish I could sue them for the bullshit they caused me. I've been on it 8 years straight

[_x_daughterofgod_x_]

Does anyone suffer wirh dryness a week after withdrawal? Mine is terrible. Week clean so far. I only took it for 10 days for godsake. I dont think I could of done that much damage?

[ShirleyCooper]

I been on afrin about 5 yrs only used it at night one spray in each side
I'm trying to get off of it but it's so hard, I been diluting it gradually with the use of Rhinostat... It's been two months and I'm still dealing with rebound congestion, I use also use nasacort and saline. rinses. I still continue to weakening the afrin and it's almost pure saline now .. .and I'm struggling..
I been to two ENTs .. and I have no other issues . Hopefully I'll get thru this soon without going back to using afrin. ( But not sleeping well because of the rebound issue is so very hard) I'm tired! 😔

[supervegito]

What if i stop using Nasal sprays and don't use any nasal sprays or any selien or steroid sprays will my rebound swelling go away if i just stop using nasal sprays ???

[MrYounus]

I am using octrivin since last 2 years.Everyday 1 time at night.Please advice what to do

[hopedozier]

Doctor, please tell me if post nasal drip will, or can occurs, while coming off of Afrin. If so how long does it last and how to treat it?