Pharmacists have issued a fresh warning about decongestant nasal sprays. They are warning people with blocked noses that they should not use them for more than seven days or they risk making symptoms worse.
Decongestant sprays are readily available over the counter and provide short-term relief from a stuffy nose caused by cold, allergies and sinusitis. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, helping to open your airways and ease breathing.
However, using them for longer than a week can cause something called rebound congestion, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has warned.
Also known as rhinitis medicamentosa, rebound congestion causes symptoms to worsen. People may then become dependent on sprays to breathe more easily.
Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at the RPS, said: “Nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for short-term relief, but using them for longer than seven days can make your congestion significantly worse.
“Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realising they could be prolonging their symptoms.”
The RPS is now calling for more prominent warnings on packaging to raise greater awareness of the seven-day limit. It’s important to follow any instructions on the information leaflet that comes with nasal sprays. If your congestion lasts longer than a week, the advice is to speak to a pharmacist.
“There are safe and effective alternative options to help you manage your symptoms,” added Professor Guirguis.
What does the NHS say about decongestants?
Having a blocked nose is uncomfortable and irritating, so many people turn to decongestants to help them breathe easier. (Getty Images)
As well as nasal sprays, decongestants come in forms including:
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flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water
Different decongestants contain different active ingredients. These include xylometazoline and oxymetazoline, often found in nasal sprays, and pseudoephedrine, often found in tablets or liquids.
Most people can take decongestants safely when following the instructions provided on the patient information leaflet; however, the NHS says they “should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first”.
These groups include:
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People taking other medicines
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People with high blood pressure
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People with an overactive thyroid
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People with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
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People with increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
Some decongestant products may cause blood pressure to rise, making them unsuitable for people with high blood pressure or heart problems.
People with diabetes are also advised against taking certain decongestant medicines as they may increase blood sugar levels. It’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing over-the-counter decongestants as a diabetic.
What’s the advice for children and pregnant women?
In addition to people with specific health issues, the NHS also states that decongestants should not be given to children under the age of six. Children aged six to 11 should take them for no longer than five days.
Some decongestants are not suitable for children under 12 years old, so always read the patient information leaflet or consult a pharmacist first.
Pregnant women are also told to steer clear of decongestants as the science is unclear on “whether it’s safe to take any type of decongestant” during this period.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s advised to check with a GP or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter decongestants.
Always read the patient information leaflet that accompanies any medicine, as it outlines who should not use it, how often it can be used and who should seek advice before using it.