Put Down the Afrin How Some People Can Be Dependent on Common Cold Meds
- 4 years ago
Put Down the Afrin How Some People Can Be Dependent on Common Cold Meds
Rebound congestion is when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues.
This can happen if you over-rely on nasal sprays like Afrin when you have a cold.
Experts say using steam and saline to soothe your nose when sick may be a better long-term option.
Nasal congestion is a popular seasonal ailment, and nasal decongestant sprays can seem like an effective solution. But doctors are warning people to use the bottle sparingly.
Why all the caution? Nasal decongestant sprays can cause rhinitis, which is also known as rebound congestion. In short, this occurs when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues. It seems like you can breathe again, but the relief wears off. Then blood, oxygen, and nutrients flood back into the area and patients can feel even more congested.
Rebound congestion is when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues.
This can happen if you over-rely on nasal sprays like Afrin when you have a cold.
Experts say using steam and saline to soothe your nose when sick may be a better long-term option.
Nasal congestion is a popular seasonal ailment, and nasal decongestant sprays can seem like an effective solution. But doctors are warning people to use the bottle sparingly.
Why all the caution? Nasal decongestant sprays can cause rhinitis, which is also known as rebound congestion. In short, this occurs when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues. It seems like you can breathe again, but the relief wears off. Then blood, oxygen, and nutrients flood back into the area and patients can feel even more congested.