I can't stop using nasal spray

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2013
I can't stop using nasal spray
Sun, 04-28-2013 - 8:47am

Several months ago I came down with a cold and I tried a nasal decongestant spray. It worked great so I continued using it for several days. Those days have turned into weeks and now months and I have to use it every night or else my nose is so stuffed up I can't breathe. I feel fine otherwise so I am not sure if it is okay to continue to use a little each night. Has anyone else used nasal spray long term?

Community Leader
Registered: 07-26-1999
Mon, 04-29-2013 - 11:41am

It is just a saline solution spray or does it have antihistamines in it?  I know people with allergies will have prescription nasal sprays that they can use long term.  Have you tried any other remedies to help with the nasal congestion, and do you know what its from?  If its just simply a saline solution spray then the salt in it is what is drying up the mucous, but in order to make things better you need to find out the cause of the stuffiness or mucous.  If its from allergies there are certain things you can do to help with it, but if its just from a cold, there are things like using a humidifier in your room at night to help, drinking lots of water to thin out the mucous is another important step, and cut back or cut out mucous producing foods such as dairy.