Many people turn to decongestant nasal sprays to escape sleepless nights caused by colds and nasal congestion. However, pharmacists warn that this seemingly quick solution can gradually become a health trap that is difficult to break.
The information leaflets accompanying these sprays advise against using them for more than seven consecutive days. Pharmacist Alexander Schmitz, however, believes caution should begin even earlier, recommending stopping their use after just four to five days and switching instead to moisturizing sea-water–based nasal sprays.
Schmitz explains this warning by pointing to the nasal mucosa’s ability to rapidly adapt to the active decongestant substances, which work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal lining. Over time, this adaptation can lead to physical dependence. “At a certain point, a person can no longer breathe properly without the spray and feels the need to carry it everywhere,” he says.
The pharmacist notes that he frequently encounters cases of individuals who have become fully dependent on nasal sprays. He adds that quitting is not easy, as the basic need to breathe makes breaking the habit particularly challenging.
The risks of long-term use extend beyond dependence. Excessive use of decongestant sprays can dry out the nasal mucosa, increasing the risk of nosebleeds and making infections more likely due to the reduced ability of the nose to perform its natural protective functions.
As for overcoming this dependence, Schmitz explains that one common approach involves gradually switching to children’s nasal sprays, which contain lower concentrations of the active ingredient, before eventually moving to sea-water sprays that are completely free of medication.
However, this method does not work for everyone, especially for those who have relied on decongestant sprays for many years. In such cases, Schmitz advises seeking help from pharmacies, where the concentration of the spray can be reduced step by step and with great precision until the user ultimately transitions to sea-water sprays only.
Schmitz concludes by emphasizing that sea-water nasal sprays do not carry a risk of dependence, as they simply moisturize the nasal mucosa, making them a safe option for long-term use.
