Associated with risk: risk of addiction nasal sprays.

Runny nose, sneezing, sniffling: Are sinuses and nasal congestion and there is an increased production of secretions, nasal sprays provide fast relief. However, they should not be used permanently, but their use can be dangerous.

Some 10,000 liters of free air flow through our olfactory organ every day – they contain germs, pollen and dust. To prevent this kind of pollutants penetrate into the lower respiratory tract, has the nose of a sophisticated self-cleaning system. Use the mucous membranes and their bristle-like nose hair and the tiny cilia, the air is both filtered and warmed and moistened and thus optimally prepared for the organism. Thin nasal secretions flowing constantly from across the throat. In the context of a common cold nasal mucosa swells, and it comes to an increased production of secretions; the nose is clogged. In such cases, creating nasal sprays remedy: The active ingredients called sympathomimetics, cause a contraction of the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. Thanks to the reduced blood supply, the tissue swells from – and the person can breathe freely again.

Caution – habituation effect!

For a short-term use of nasal spray is nothing wrong – especially when the stuffy nose makes it difficult to sleep. More than a week, you should decongestant preparations not use, it can still be a habituation effect, the so-called rebound phenomenon, come: Does the effect of spray after, the mucosa is bleeding excessively and swells. If we use the medicine then again, creating a vicious circle. Although there is a short-term relief of symptoms, but gets the spray the disease almost upright. Through constant irritation to mucous membranes dry out and can no longer fulfill their cleaning function – the risk of colds increases. From a “Stinknase” is called when the nasal tissue is destroyed by the long-term use of nasal spray and infected by bacteria; a foul smell arises. Aside from the addictive nasal sprays can have side effects. The substance may cause headache, palpitations, or rash.

Alternative Alternatives

There are now many alternatives to traditional nasal spray available. Inhalations with salt solutions or essential oils to ensure that the mucous membranes are moistened and swell less. In addition, the use of a nasal douche provide relief – but not in a very heavily congested nose. Children nasal sprays are more gentle than the variant for adults: They contain the decongestant drugs also, albeit to a much lower dosage. Sprays, which additionally contain healing substances such as panthenol and maintain the mucous membranes, also offer. Preparations with sea water or other salt solutions have not the same resounding success as chemical alternatives, however, do not lead to addiction. If, over a longer period of time not to any improvement in symptoms, a doctor should be consulted – there may be the clogged nasal allergy or another underlying cause .