I need help for my rebound nasal congestion.

Hello,

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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.