Rebound congestion is increasing nasal congestion as the decongestant nasal spray wears off, causing the patient to use more spray to combat the continued congestion, explains Susan Besser, MD, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians in Baltimore. I use Affrin occasionally at night when I cant sleep due to congestion and dont want to become dependent. It is also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Activation of alpha adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels causes vasoconstriction. This article is not medical advice. Thank you ladies for your responses. 4: Understand How to Use 3 Distinct Healthcare Levels Show Notes This episode of the Dr. Momma Podcast addresses the need to understand how to use 3 different healthcare, Ep. I couldn't leave home without it; I always had to have some in my purse. Note: Many women have a stuffy nose during pregnancy that's not related to a cold or allergies. I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. However, there are people who repeatedly fail because they cannot tolerate the rebound symptoms. Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect, its not a true addiction, because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. Learn how your comment data is processed. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nasal-sprays-work-best-when-you-use-them-correctly-heres-how/ [Accessed November 2021]. 2020. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. 2013. Manage Settings "Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers," she says. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! Anyway, doc gave me some kind of nasal spray & I'm pretty sure it was Affrin but I didn't take it. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is a very real problem. Is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe in pregnancy? Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Colds and allergy. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . Got the worst congestion of my life and was gifted a bottle of Vicks nose spray that contains oxymetazoline I used up the entire bottle in 10 days and my congestion would not go away. Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you have had a similar experience. National Institute of Health. Zytec D, Claritin D, and Allegra D are often surprising decongestant medication to many people since they are often labeled as allergy medications. AKA DR. MOMMA If you have recurrent nasal congestion, you may need an ENT evaluation to determine if there is a structural problem, possibly combined with mild allergies. Studies showthat relapse is very rare. I get SO closterphobic if I cant breath out of my nose. In women predisposed to this, especially in late p Afrin (oxymetazoline) is fda pregnancy category c. Drugs.Com defines category c as animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the f Is it safe to take amedicine for sinus like afrin(oxymetazoline) in the 1st trimesters of pregnancy? My doctor told me not to use it and to use saline spray instead - which did absolutely nothing! The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. What are the risks to my pregnancy if I use Afrin while pregnant. Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. Physical activity can help decrease nasal swelling. But you should beware of the side effects of using it too often. Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. I was panicking and gave in and used it again. So sorry to hear this but glad you are on the mend. Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. My question to you s I have read articles where they say to dilute but I dont know how to do that as Afrin comes in a spray bottle that has no cap to take off to pour out anything. Thank you Dr. Momma. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. People swear by it, but I don't see any difference after using it. A first-line medication for allergies during pregnancy would have the most research showing two things: that the drug is effective and that it does not cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. Anyway, my 10 year old was born during these years and I used it 4-6 times per day every single day from conception through. I have been using afrin (oxymetazoline) for the past month and i'm 15 weeks pregnant. A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. The Rhinostat kit includes a metered dose delivery system that dilutes the nasal spray dose by 10 percent to 15 percent every day until the nasal turbinates are able to resume their normal functioning. Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. Whether it is washing your sheets or using an air purifier, there are many ways to reduce indoor allergens. You can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around. Adrenaline released into the blood during a fight or flight response (such as running to evade a predator) attaches to receptors in the nose, widening the passages so we can breathe easier, Dr. Gels explains. Although this method worked very well for me, it may not be the best or safest option for you. According to theNational Institute on Drug Addiction, theres a difference between physical drug dependence and addiction. I wonder if you had a moment to answer a question? Ep 12: JUUL: Vaping Nicotine is Especially Hazardous to Kids Show Notes **Updated November 15, 2018, with excellent results of manufactures in response to new research** Todays episode of the, Ep. If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (Flonase and Nasacort) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. I had an upper respitory infection, so my OB even gave me afrin in the hospital while i was there (before and after I had the baby) It was okay to use too while breast feeding. Everything was fine. Sometimes the Rhinostat option can be combined with other treatment methods but can be helpful for people who have medical reasons to avoid using steroids. Therefore, their activation leads to muscle contractions that constrict the blood vessels. It seems like you. 2008. He explains that oxymetazoline (the active ingredient in Afrin) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose. As a baby boomer, I share rhinitis medicamentosa or prolonged misuse of nasal vasoconstrictors can be Dr. Michael Sparacino and 5 doctors agree, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The study compared any changes in symptoms when taking mometasone furoate, oxymetazoline, or both concurrently. I use it 4 times a day and did the same with my first pregnancy. ). To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. Prescription, (montelukast) can also improve nasal congestion., The good news? I remember leaving on a trip to the beach and going into a panic when I realized I had forgotten my Afrin at home. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? As I have said a million times, you need to understand why you have nasal congestion and work with your physician to determine a long term treatment plan. If you have more questions about using Afrin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. This speeds up the process of mucus removal normally done by cilia, or small hairs, in the passageways. Afrin may also cause serious side effects. Really informative article. Runny nose. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. Tradues em contexto de "encouraged to seek medical assistance" en ingls-portugus da Reverso Context : Any mother with a history of addiction is encouraged to seek medical assistance before and during pregnancy. parenting and healthcare timeless tips. Adrenaline can change blood flow to your nose as well. From what I read, it would have to be a very large amount to cause any damage in the animal studies, so I'm not too concerned. Oxymetazoline works almost immediately, and the medication's full effect is reached in 5-10 minutes. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/phenylephrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Good luck. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms., In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. . I have tried every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says I have to get some sleep somehow. Immediate relief but I know its coming back with a vengeance .. so Ive joined this group in hopes to connect with others and learn more and hopefully hear some stories of how its turned out for others quitting cold turkey and for those that weaned off thank you.. please send me healing energy. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. I use it every night. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. It sounds like the Afrin is not working because another problem needs to be diagnosed and treated. In 5-10 minutes by cilia, or rhinitis medicamentosa, and it is also important to note that decongestants pseudoephedrine! 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