What Using Nasal Spray Every Day Does To Your Body
Nasal sprays are popular treatments for stuffy noses – especially during allergy season. But getting into the habit of using a nasal spray every day can have detrimental effects on your body.
If you're using nasal spray daily, you should first be aware of what kind of spray it is. For example, antihistamine nasal sprays can be used daily for up to 12 weeks, while saline nasal sprays can be used as needed. Where it gets tricky is for the over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays – those are only designed to be used for 3-5 days in a row (via Medical News Today).
You may be wondering, what's different about decongestant nasal sprays and why can't they be used as frequently? The sprays provide relief from congestion by constricting your blood vessels, but not for long if you continue taking them. Rebound congestion can occur, meaning the blood vessels don't respond to the medication anymore and instead, your nasal cavity can swell even more.
Can you get addicted to using nasal spray?
According to experts, the term "nasal spray addiction," isn't a true addiction, although nasal spray usage can be habit-forming (via Cleveland Clinic). You may also experience other minor side effects such as burning or stinging in the nasal cavity, bitter smell or taste, runny nose, or sneezing. Some major side effects can include persistent nosebleeds, unusual sweating, tremors, or a change in heart rate and should be treated by a medical professional.
How can you tell if it's your nasal spray causing you discomfort? Some telltale signs include your nose being the only affected area, you're suffering no other allergy symptoms, there is no environmental or seasonal trigger, you've increased your spray dosage and still have no relief, or you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms (via WebMD). Should you have any questions or concerns, be sure to seek medical attention for treatment options specific to your health situation.