Q. I need help for my rebound nasal congestion.
Hi doctor,
I am here to get help for rebound nasal congestion. Two years ago, I started using Oxymetazoline nasal spray for mild allergy. I continued using it because I thought my allergy is persistent. Recently, I realized that my problem is not an allergy but addiction to nasal spray. My symptoms are severe nasal congestion which requires using nasal spray four to five times. I have no typical symptoms of an allergy, like a runny nose, watery eyes, or irritation. Above all, I become very upset and anxious if I do not use the nasal spray. I tried to stop the usage of nasal spray, and somewhat successful. But at times my congestion is severe and it seriously affects my activities including sleeping. It would be great if you can suggest some alternative for nasal decongestants. I am a 29 year old male, who is under treatment for mild hyperuricemia.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
You suffer from a condition called as rhinitis medicamentosa. As you have rightly understood, it is due to the prolonged uninhibited use of nasal decongestants. Repeated use of the same causes decongestion temporarily followed by rebound congestion inside the nose.
The action of these decongestants is by vasodilation, which lasts for a short duration, followed by reflex constriction of vessels which causes congestion again. This problem causes nose block.
It is totally different from an allergy, which has specific symptoms as rightly pointed out by you. You should avoid all decongestants like Xylometazoline, Oxymetazoline, and Ephedrine drops.
- Coming to a solution, since you have been having this problem for such a long time, it is not going to resolve that soon. You must first taper the drops. I suggest using pediatric Oxymetazoline that is 0.025 % concentration and use it daily twice for five days.
- Next, you try using plain saline nasal drops. Plain saline drops of brands like Solspre and Physiomer isotonic spray can be used in place of Nasivion S. Use it for five days.
- Then, you can try Mometasone furoate or Fluticasone furoate spray. It is available as Metaspray, Avamys, or Flomist. These are local acting steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines which remove the congestion and decongestion cycle. The anti-inflammatory part removes the congestion which gets perceived as nose block by you.
- The last spray has to be taken two puffs in each nostril twice daily for a month and follow it by once daily for next two months. The course is long and protracted, but you must follow it through for ridding yourself of this problem.
Do not worry about steroid side effects as the intranasal preparation does not get absorbed into the blood stream. It acts locally on the nasal mucosa which is exhibiting the rebound congestion and rhinitis medicamentosa problem. Do read the leaflet of the spray very carefully and then start using it. Do not inhale deeply after spraying as the spray then gets deposited in the throat, remember it has to act on the nasal mucosa and not anywhere other than that.
These medicines will not affect the hyperuricemia problem or interact with the medicines you are taking for that. You may avoid decongestant tablets like Phenylephrine during these medicines. However, if you feel the need for those, you may let me know, and I can assess.
Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start using the medicines after their consent. I would also suggest you avoid exposing yourself to dust, spicy foods, cold foods, and smoke. You may wear a mask while traveling or walking outside. You are advised to take plenty of green leafy vegetables and healthy nutritious diet to help with the healing process.
Do revert if you need any further support.
For further queries consult an ENT otolaryngologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/ENT-Otolaryngologist
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
I need help for my rebound nasal congestion.
.. from a condition called as rhinitis medicamentosa. As you have rightly understood, it is due to the prolonged uninhibited use of nasal decongestants. Repeated use of the same causes decongestion temporarily followed by rebound congestion inside th... Read full
24 year old Male. How to perform Kegel exercise to improve my sexual life?Hi doctor, I am 14 years old. I usually experience these symptoms in my daily life. I have a habit of worrying more about things that ordinary people will not worry about it. I easily get traumatized. There was a minor earthquake in the midnight a c... Read full
Why do I have headache, cold, and running nose?Hi doctor, I am 14 years old. I usually experience these symptoms in my daily life. I have a habit of worrying more about things that ordinary people will not worry about it. I easily get traumatized. There was a minor earthquake in the midnight a c... Read full
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ... Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also... Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask an ENT Otolaryngologist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
