How to wean from vasoconstrictor nasal drops

What are vasoconstrictor drops and how they work

Vasoconstrictor drops are medications that help Decongestants / NHS relieve swelling and nasal congestion. The chemicals in these drugs cause Rhinitis Medicamentosa / Medscape to spasm of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, the liquid cannot escape through the wall of the capillaries, and the edema decreases. At the same time, the person feels that he has a runny nose.

Doctors recommend Decongestants / NHS to use vasoconstrictor drops for no longer than a week, and no more than 1-4 times a day. Otherwise, the product may harm.

Why are vasoconstrictor drops dangerous?

Like any medicine, these drops have side effects. These could be Decongestants / NHS:

irritation of the nasal mucosa;
headache;
nausea;
dry mouth;
feeling anxious or nervous.

In addition, with prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops, Rhinitis Medicamentosa / Medscape rhinitis sometimes occurs. It consists in a feeling of nasal congestion, swelling of the mucous membrane, despite the instillation of the drug. In some people, it manifests itself as early as the third day of treatment, while in others - after a few weeks. The violation is associated with the fact that with frequent use of drops, the vessels stop responding to the drug.

But that's not all. Rhinitis medicamentosa / Medscape can cause other diseases:

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the nose and sinuses.
Atrophic rhinitis is a condition in which the mucous membrane gradually atrophies, becomes thin and bleeding.
Hyperplasia of the turbinates. With this violation, they increase in size and interfere with normal breathing.
Psychological dependence on nose drops.
Withdrawal Syndrome. If you stop burying your nose, you will get headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritability.

How to wean from vasoconstrictor nasal drops

To get started, you just need to stop using Rhinitis Medicamentosa Treatment & Management / Medscape. Especially if it becomes clear that they are not helping, the nose remains blocked. This is one of the surest signs of rhinitis medication.

To make breathing easier, a physician may prescribe corticosteroid hormones. Sometimes it is a pill, and in some cases it is a spray. Saline solution also reduces congestion. It is sold in pharmacies in the form of drops, spray, or a special system for irrigating the nasal mucosa.

If you cannot do without vasoconstrictor drops, it is better to wean them gradually. For example, use only at night, or alternate between the right and left nostril.

Those who have a headache due to the withdrawal of vasoconstrictor drugs can be helped by over-the-counter pain relievers.