Nasal congestion often appears at the onset of a cold, flu, or allergies. It is characterized by a stuffy feeling in the nose. One may feel pressure in the nasal cavity and sinuses and air flow may be restricted through the nostrils. In some cases, one or both nasal passages may be completely blocked, preventing breathing through the nose.
Nasal congestion can be quite uncomfortable and may cause the afflicted to be irritated or upset. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are used to relieve congestion, often completely opening the nasal passages.
Nasal Congestion
The nasal cavity is lined with a network of blood vessels. During a cold, flu, allergic reaction, or other irritation, the blood vessels can become dilated and the tissues within the nasal cavity can become filled with fluid. This causes a "stuffy" feeling and can make breathing difficult.
Nasal Spray Use and Rebound Congestion
After three or four days of nasal spray use, one may develop a tolerance to the medication. The result is a chronically stuffy nose. The tolerance may increase and the frequency and dosage of nasal spray use may also increase. Congestion usually subsides after several weeks of discontinued use of the nasal spray.
Nasal Spray Addiction vs. Nasal Spray Tolerance
Many of those suffering from rebound congestion brought on by nasal spray use refer to their condition as nasal spray addiction. James T. Li, M.D. says this is not the case. In his Mayo Clinic article, "Nasal spray addiction: Is it real?" he says, "Addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't contain any habit-forming ingredients, and they don't cause the compulsive cravings that mark an addiction."
Rebound congestion is the result of nasal spray tolerance caused by long-term nasal spray use. It can occur in as little as three or four days.
Nasal Congestion Treatment
While nasal sprays can be used as a short-term treatment of nasal congestion, there are other treatments that can be used to treat both initial congestion and rebound congestion. In the Mayo Clinic article, "Nasal congestion," it is advised that nasal congestion be treated by sniffing and swallowing or gently blowing the nose, drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier, and using nasal saline sprays or rinses. An antihistamine may help those who are suffering from allergies. Nasal irrigation may be quite useful and can be done by using a neti pot.
Rebound congestion caused by nasal spray use can be quite difficult to overcome. While it is not an addiction, a tolerance can be developed and it may take several weeks for rebound congestion to subside. The use of alternative treatments, such as nasal irrigation, can help relieve congestion and may be helpful with keeping the sinuses clear during a respiratory illness, such as a sinus infection.
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