Ongoing Nasal Congestion

[aswest1021]

Both myself and my 16 year old daughter have been suffering from allergies since early springtime.  The biggest complaint we have is nasal congestion.  We've tried prescription nasal sprays and over-the-counter meds. such as Loratradine, but to no avail.  Unfortunately, the only way we can get a good night's rest is to use nasal spray at bedtime.  We both only squirt one spray into each nostril.  I know that isn't a good idea to use nasal spray repeadtedly, particularly, as it can worsen the problem.  I really think that's what has already happened.  My question is how do we break our "habit" of needing a squirt of nasal spray each night to relieve the congestion.  Should we just go cold turkey?  If we do, I know we won't sleep a wink probably for several nights.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

How are you? How is your daughter? Rhinitis medicamentosa is a condition of rebound nasal congestion brought on by extended use of topical decongestants (such as the nasal spray) that work by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
This condition typically occurs after 5 to 7 days of use of such medications. The swelling of the nasal passages caused by rebound congestion may eventually result in polyps that block nasal breathing and receptors become down regulated requiring more frequent and higher doses that results when the medicine wears off. The treatment of RM involves withdrawal of the offending nasal spray.  A weaning approach can be used wherein congestion and runny nose can often be temporized by using prescription nasal steroid sprays 1 to 2 times daily for a few weeks. For very severe cases oral steroids may be necessary. It would be best to see your doctor for the appropriate prescription medicine. It would also help to drink plenty of fluids, homemade saline drops  or steam inhalation.

I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.

[AJWS6]

Hi,
I had chronic nasal congestion for a very long time, I tried every nasal spray I could get my hands on, they only worked temporarily, some made congestion worse.  I tried allergy meds, they didn't work.  

What cleared my nasal congestion up was Nasal rinse, I use NeilMed squeeze bottle.  It doesn't work overnight and takes alot of patients, actually it took a week to two weeks.  But once your nasal passages open up, nasal rinsing keeps them open.  I Nasal rinse my nose 2x a daily.  It truly works.  Good luck.  
  

[hypogirl80]

The way I got rid of using nasal spray is to dilute the nasal spray 10% per week by using water or salt water.  Continue use the diluted nasal spray, your nose will not noticed the difference. by the time (after 8 weeks) you get to 80% water, then you can cut it all off. There is a company sale this kind of diluted nasal spray solutions, but you can easily open the bottle and mix it with water yourself.  Go slow if you have to, but remember, this does not cure your allergy, only help your nasal spray addiction.