How to wean from vasoconstrictor nasal drops

What are vasoconstrictor drops and how they work

Vasoconstrictor drops are medications that helpDecongestants / NHS remove swelling and nasal congestion. The chemicals in these drugs causeRhinitis Medicamentosa / Medscape vasospasm of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, the liquid cannot escape through the wall of the capillaries, and the edema decreases. At the same time, a person feels that he has passed runny nose.

Doctors recommendDecongestants / NHS 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. It can beDecongestants / NHS:

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

In addition, with prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops sometimes occursRhinitis Medicamentosa / Medscape medication rhinitis. 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 medication mayRhinitis Medicamentosa / Medscape provoke 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

First you just have to stopRhinitis Medicamentosa Treatment & Management / Medscape use them. 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 therapist may prescribe corticosteroid hormones. Sometimes it is a pill, and in some cases it is a spray. Also reduces congestion saline solution. 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.