Health Watch (Nasal Spray Addiction)

 

Do Away With Nasal Spray Dependency!

Check the red flag for potential addiction when decongestant nasal sprays turn into a necessity to gain relief from closed nasal passages.

 

BY PRAMITA BOSE

Psychological Setback

Many patients develop psychological dependency, feeling restless, fretful or panicky if the spray is not available. Sleep disturbances may also occur due to uneasy breathing.

Mental Aid

Good news is that there are counselling sessions and therapeutic support at one’s disposal to diminish the negative effects. “Behavioural therapies can definitely help patients wriggle out of this lingering crutch-like dependency. An addict learns to understand the rebound cycle of nasal sprays, gradually lower his/her dependency on the same, and become aware of the coping strategies to endure congestion and expand their tolerance limits without overusing the sprays and nasal pumps. In more serious cases, psychological therapy may be combined with medical treatment,” reports Dr. Rajan Bhargav, ENT surgeon, Regency Health Kanpur. Medically, the condition of nasal spray addiction is called Rhinitis Medicamentosa (RM).

Timely Visit to Doctor’s Clinic

The general query arises at this juncture that by when an addicted person should look for help from a medical expert/ENT or consult him for treatment and get rid of the addiction.

If nasal spray use continues beyond a week or so; if the patient finds it difficult to breathe without it; if congestion aggravates despite regular use; if headaches, nose bleeds or loss of smell develop on everyday basis, then seeing an ENT specialist is strongly advised.

Medication

Doctors insist that nasal sprays should be used strictly as guided. For individuals already enduring symptoms of rebound congestion, it is wiser to consult an ENT specialist. “Treatment often involves discontinuing the spray and using securer alternatives like saline sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays or undergoing gradual weaning under medical supervision,” said ENT specialist Dr Mayur H. Ingale, professor and HOD, Dept. of otorhinolaryngology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Pimpri, Pune.

It is obvious that when a person hastily discontinues nasal sprays after chronic dependence, he/she can experience rebound congestion, nasal weight or sore headaches. “These symptoms tend to resolve with time. Individuals are usually asked to slash the usage of spray gradually, transition to saline irrigations and employ some basic home remedies to navigate the initial discomfort,” volunteers Dr Nayan K Shetty, consultant ENT surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central.

Occurrence in Adults

Adults with frequent colds, allergies or sinus infections get mostly addicted to nasal sprays. “The rapid relief offered by these sprays leads individuals to touch base with the same more frequently than required. In due course of time, this becomes a routine task since the nose chokes once again when the effect reduces,” reasons Dr Shetty.

“Adults who buy over-the-counter sprays for fast relief from symptoms instead of pursuing medical attention to acquire accurate advice may easily fall prey to decongestant sprays with overdependence on the product,” affirms Dr. Rakesh Gokul Singh, associate consultant (ENT, and head and neck surgery) at Max Multi Speciality Centre in Panchsheel Park, Delhi.

Instant Relief

One wonders if stress, instant gratification and lack of time have anything to do with nasal spray addiction. “Indeed, dearth of time, rashness and stress are contributing factors. Most individuals want immediate relief rather than waiting quietly for spontaneous recuperation. Nasal sprays deliver rapid action to meet the desirable speedy comfort and hence, they are more inviting to use again and again,” argues Dr Shetty.

Concern for Children

It’s a matter of immense worry that even kids can be affected by overuse of nasal sprays. Dependence can also creep in among children if nasal sprays are not used carefully, caution experts.

“Kids are not widely exposed to decongestant sprays. So, the number is quite low, if any. They have a different disease for which medicated sprays have to be used for a longer time. Most common disease in kids is adenoid hypertrophy {the enlargement of the adenoids, a type of lymphatic tissue located in the back of the nose i.e. nasopharynx, which can obstruct breathing and induce symptoms like mouth breathing, snoring, ear infections and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)} for which, surgery is a better option,” notes Dr. Singh.

Meanwhile, Dr Shetty emphasises that “at the end of the day, it is all about trimming the application gradually and substituting sprays with gentle measures, such as saline drops, vapour absorption and lifestyle changes. Particular care must be taken by parents not to let children continue using the sprays longer than the prescribed amount of time.”

General Awareness

As part of public advisory, it is proposed to glance through all labels and instructions before using nasal sprays. Consumers are instructed to avoid self-medicating beyond the recommended period and discuss their problem with healthcare providers if congestion persists or worsens.

“Nasal sprays can be useful when applied correctly but their misuse poses a real risk of dependency and cause chronic nasal problems. Spreading general consciousness and being mindful of nasal spray addiction are vital for ensuring its safe use and preservation of nasal health in the long run,” infers Dr Ingale.

OTC Nasal Washes

Many pharmaceutical companies sell nasal wash products over the counter. But how good are these in terms of quality and effectiveness, and should a customer buy such products without doctor’s prescription?

“Nasal washes, particularly those based on saline, are normally harmless and effective for nasal flushing or cleansing. They are not habit-forming like medicated sprays. However, it is always best to use them sparingly and not depend on them at length to sanitise nasal passages at regular intervals. Cautious reading of medicine labels and avoiding long-term unmonitored applications prevent unnecessary complications,” observes Dr Shetty.

Nasal wash products are safe to use but with proper guidance for sure. It is advisable to purchase such products following a doctor’s directive. “They are used to purge out nasal secretions and provide a better airway. Multiple products are swamping the market with little to choose from in terms of efficacy that sees them yielding the intended results. Ease of use is what usually categorises them into different price bands,” states Dr. Singh.

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