Nasal Congestion

[JessicaNicole1993]

Hello! I've been dealing with stuffiness on and off  for about 3-4 weeks now. Originally my doctors thought it was a sinus infection and gave me antibiotics. However, I think it started off with bad allergies (possibly) and because I used Afrin longer than suppose to, I'm thinking it turned into rebound congestion. Some days I have 0 congestion and some days I have some. Recently I started to cut down on the afrin (I went from twice a day to once a day) and I'm using Flonase. I don't have terrible congestion, but enough to bug me. I'm managing though. Recently I looked inside my nose and saw that it was red on the left side along my nasal wall. It doesn't look like a sore or anything, it's just red and it's been that way for a few days now. Should I worry about anything or do you think it's just from blowing my nose and some dryness within my nose?

[mathematicarisa]

The pamphlet I got from my doctor also said you could us a small amount of Vicks vapor rub. I haven't tried that yet, though.

[Harv_c]

It probably is from that...  I suggest getting off the Afrin for at least two weeks.  Afrin is very addictive and your systems have probably become totally reliant.  You mentioned dryness so you know a little moisture is needed.  You will probably get a lot until your system gets over the Afrin.  Do not use any other nasal spray.  If your nose starts running excessively move to an OTC non-drowsy tablet for nasal congestion and take only one tablet a day.