Nasal spray addiction: how to wean off in three steps

If you often use decongestant nasal sprays, you can fall into a vicious circle and become addicted to nasal sprays. The fatal thing is that the sprays dry out the mucous membranes in the long term. These then swell in order to increase blood flow. The result: your nose becomes stuffy and you reach for the spray again. Can't do without it either? We'll tell you how you can finally wean yourself off nasal sprays.

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via Anna-Lisa
09/05/2016, 11:26
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It's no secret that nasal spray can be addictive. We'll tell you how to escape the vicious circle.

The nasal spray weaning process step by step

Step 1 Reduce the amount of active ingredient
Anyone who is addicted to nasal spray does not believe that it is easy to stop using it. As a first step, you should therefore not stop using the spray completely, but first reduce the dose. Nasal sprays for children can help with this, as they are often lower doses.

Step 2Always alternate sprays
The second step on the way to saying goodbye to nasal spray addiction once and for all is this tip: spray alternately into one nostril only. This allows the other nostril to regenerate. If you find this difficult, you can also rinse your nose with saline solution. This also ensures a clear feeling.

Step 3Only use before going to sleep
In the last step of nasal spray weaning, try to keep your nostrils clear with the spray only overnight until you can stop using the spray completely. Now your nasal spray addiction is finally conquered!

Instead of resorting directly to nasal spray when you have a cold, try these home remedies first...