Dr. Suraj Kukadia, known online as Dr. Suji, has warned people about the dangers of becoming overly dependent on widely used over-the-counter medications. In a video he shared with his social media followers, he highlighted the possible dependency on nasal sprays that are commonly used to relieve stuffy nose symptoms.
Dr. Suzi said, “It’s common to become dependent on nasal sprays, so here’s how you can quit. If your nasal spray is a decongestant that contains xylometazoline, oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc., then this medication is right for you.”
Decongestants are designed to temporarily relieve stuffy nose caused by colds, flu, hay fever, allergies, rhinitis, sinus problems, etc. Decongestants work by reducing swelling in the blood vessels in the nasal passages, allowing better airflow.
Available without a prescription, these decongestants are the go-to solution for many people looking for quick relief. However, as reported by the Express, Dr Suji pointed out that while they can be “really helpful” at first, their effectiveness may wear off after a few days of use.
He also explained the risk of “rebound nasal congestion,” which occurs when the medication wears off and blood vessels dilate, causing ‘rebound nasal congestion,’ which dilates blood flow back into the nasal passages, making them more stuffy and blocked than before the medication was taken, and making the congestion worse. Wales Online.
The NHS website recommends that “most decongestants should only be used 1 to 4 times a day.”
They also warn: “Decongestant sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time as long-term use may worsen nasal congestion.”
While the side effects of decongestants are generally mild, Dr. Suji highlights several ways to reduce your dependency on these products, the hardest being to suddenly stop using them, known as “cold turkey.”
“It’s going to be a total nightmare for a few weeks or months, and some people report feeling terrible for up to a year,” he said, “but in the long run it’s probably going to be worth it.”
Dr. Suji also suggests that the spray should only be used in one nostril at a time, to ensure you can breathe clear out at least one nostril while you recover. Another method Dr. Suji recommends is to start every two hours, gradually increasing the interval to two and a half or three hours over a few days or weeks.
Dr. Suzi advises consulting a doctor if the task seems too daunting, as treatments such as nasal steroids, saline rinses, or oral decongestants may help ease the medication. If you have any concerns about nasal sprays or how to use them correctly, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor.
