For many of us, a decongestant nasal spray feels like the quickest fix when we cannot breathe properly. The relief is almost instant, which is exactly why experts warn that these products can quietly turn into a habit. A recent investigation highlighted how easily people slip from short term use into something that looks and feels like dependence, even when the bottle clearly says not to use it for more than a week.
New research suggests huge numbers of people may be at risk of getting stuck in this cycle. These sprays are sold over the counter and marketed for blocked noses, yet the guidance is firm for a reason. When they are used longer than recommended, the congestion can rebound and feel worse than before. That worsening often pushes people to reach for another spray, which then reinforces the routine.
One case raised through ITV News involved Charlotte Johnson, who said she had been using nasal drops multiple times a day since she was seven. Now 30, she shared that she spends around 35 euros a month keeping up the habit and once drove for more than an hour in the middle of the night to find a fresh supply. She also described anxiety and nightmares about choking because she felt she could not breathe without it. What made it harder, she said, was believing she was the only one going through it until she saw a news segment that mirrored her experience.
The reason this happens is surprisingly straightforward. Many decongestant drops work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal lining, which quickly reduces swelling and opens airflow. But if they are used for several days in a row, the tissue can become reliant on that effect, so when it wears off the nose blocks even more. People then use another dose just to function normally, even though the original cold or allergy flare may have passed.
Pharmacists and health organisations have been trying to make the message clearer. In the UK, the NHS, manufacturers, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society all advise sticking to the seven day limit, and similar guidance applies elsewhere. A survey of 300 pharmacists found many believe patients do not fully understand the risk, and a large majority said the warning should be far more prominent on packaging. The rebound problem is commonly linked to sprays containing ingredients such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline, rather than steroid based options or simple saline.
Professor Amira Guirguis, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s chief scientist, has warned that these sprays can help in the short term but may seriously worsen symptoms if used beyond a week. Her advice is practical, if your congestion lasts longer than seven days, speak to a pharmacist about safer alternatives and a plan to break the cycle.
Have you ever found yourself reaching for a nasal spray longer than you intended, and what helped you stop? Share your experience in the comments.
