People use nasal sprays for several different reasons. Nasal sprays are a common remedy for nasal allergy symtoms. They are also useful in treating nasal obstruction from infections. Some nasal sprays are also good remedies for nose bleeds. Most of the nasal spray medications, such as fluticosone, are in the anti-inflammatory category, and are relatively safe. Nasal spray medications containing oxymetazoline, on the other hand, can become harmful if used over a prolonged time period.
Step 1
Determine which class of nasal spray you are using. If it is a steroid or anti-inflammatory spray, it is probably not a medication to which you are likely to get addicted. According to the book "Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery" by Byron Bailey, decongestant medications with oxymetazoline or phenylephrine are more likely to cause an addiction.
Step 2
Figure out why you are using the nasal spray. If it is for physician-diagnosed nasal allergies then you are likely to be OK. If you are using the spray because your nose feels blocked when you do not use the spray, that is a sign of an addiction.
Step 3
Determine if the spray you are using was prescribed by your physician. Most of the dangerous nasal sprays are sold over-the-counter and are not physician-prescribed.
Step 4
See what happens when you stop using the nasal spray. According to Drugs.com, people who show signs of addiction to Afrin, a popular nasal pray containing oxymetazoline, experience severe nasal blockage and discomfort when they discontinue using the medication after prolonged use. The symptoms can be severe enough to cause insomnia, pain and nose bleeds.
Things You'll Need
- Gauze
- Tissues
- Steroid Nasal Spray
References
- "Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery"; Byron Bailey; 2006
- Drugs.com: Sinex Nasal Spray
- Drugs.com: Afrin
