The technical name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. Some sites say you can use it in moderation, while others say no. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Septal perforation is when the cartilage membrane that divides the nostrils develops small holes. 2020. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. Symptoms include excessive crying, fever, irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly . I am not sure what the best way is. This becomes a vicious cycle and explains why you will hear people say they have become addicted to the nose spray. Know the side effects and precautions, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. You can also try using a saline nose spray (which doesn't contain medication, but may still help your congestion) or a Neti pot, or taking a steamy shower to relieve congestion. 2021. I tried everything -- from "safe" prescribed nasal sprays to netti pots, whatever you can think of. You can also try saline nasal sprays that are a little gentler and keep your nose hydrated. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). The doctor put me in amoxicillin (apparently one of the few antibiotics you can use during pregnancy) but it's not doing the job of clearing up my sinuses fast enough. Afrin would likely not be your doctors first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy. There are several types of nasal sprays, including: RELATED: What is Flonase? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mamapedia_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mamapedia_com-banner-1-0');I've been addicted for about 15 yearsor as my brother says, I'm addicted to breathing. He did it once for me in office but after that didn't use it myself. As mentioned above, it may take up to two weeks to feel the effects. All rights reserved. Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, she says. I had same situation as you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but couldn't take antibiotic because I'm allergic. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. https://www.mamapedia.com/article/clearing-up-a-clogged-nose, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-awful-sinus-infectionany-suggestions, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-the-worse-head-cold-sinus-infection-ever, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/need-to-stop-being-sick, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/help-sinus-infection-while-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/my-nose-help, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-medicine-while-pregnant. What pattern of use will prevent the rebound symptoms? She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. There may be structural damage, such as saddle nose deformity and septal perforation. In fact, it could be responsible for up to 9% of visits to allergists and ENT doctors. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. It was helping me breathe normally but I abused it for almost a year. There are, work by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Pregnant with the Worse Head Cold/ Sinus Infection Ever. Really informative article. Aa. Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). One of these is allergic rhinitis, also called allergies or hay fever. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. This effect has led to a misperception that Afrin is addictive. 2023 SingleCare Administrators. In short, this occurs when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues. But I never got any more after that Mom ended up putting me on Dristan in which I was on for years until I realized that was what was causing my insomnia. I couldn't talk right, and I felt as if some monster was sitting on my face, ruining my life. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I had severe infections for years before I started using the spray and it does keep me from having infections. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. The rebound ensures Afrin manufacturers of more sales. Charlotte Doyle (author) from Texas on March 29, 2018: Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on March 28, 2018: Excellent article Charlotte. (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. When the blood drains from your nose, so do the oxygen and nutrients that blood brings with it. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. @2021 - Dr Momma Says. Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 1 thank View 1 more answer Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. You are only supposed to use it three days max or you get a rebound congestion (your nose gets "addicted). Pregnant and got accidentally addicted to afrin .. Pregnancy Hi everyone, I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had covid on the 28th of January . There have been very few Pregnancy category c. Thus it has not been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans. parenting and healthcare timeless tips. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. I am down to two pills and hopefully in 8 days I am totally off. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold. I'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up my nose. It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. These are available over the counter. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). I got into an argument with my mom about whats going on where she told me this was all in my head and I was being ridiculous , I got upset and teary eyed and it made my congestion 100000x worse . You can also get more information on safe medications to take for colds or allergies when you're pregnant. 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. This article is not medical advice. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. So frustrating! Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. I'm 31 weeks pregnant, i tried everything that could help me breath but just only afrin (oxymetazoline) spray can. I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! As an adult, I found a different version of nose drops in the form of Afrin. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. But just know that D is a decongestant, so it is meant for only short term use. I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. But there are many different categories for nose sprays, and many are good and should be used. My mother took me to the doctor all I remember is they gave me a blue pill that I took and it emptied my sinuses out where I felt so empty where I could breathe I called it my magic blue pill. If you are addicted to nasal sprays, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. So easy and delicious. If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. | What is Nasacort? Harms, R. W. (2015, January). If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. . It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. Good luck. To help control the withdrawals symptoms, we often recommend nasal steroid sprays and a short course of oral steroids. Serious side effects of Afrin. Oxymetazoline is used treat nasal congestion, eye inflammation, [] , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. I took Afrin when I was in my third trimester. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)? i'm really worried! My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. When you spray a shot of Afrin nasal spray into your nose, you will feel immediate relief from congestionbut the effects dont last. So happy I could help get you started on your journey to kick the Afrin habit. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. so it was probably a coincidence. DailyMed. For most of my life, I felt that it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling. Good luck. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management. (2015). Children are born who they are meant to be. I am addicted to the nasal spray Afrin. Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. Studies show that relapse is very rare. Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. Is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe in pregnancy? But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. On top of that, there is a slight burning sensation from the saline solution that I was not comfortable with. eta: my midwives said it was fine as well. Everyone with nasal symptoms needs to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! Afrin Nose Spray Addiction Over the counter decongestants are both effective and safe when used correctly and not for more than 3-4 consecutive days. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. Before discussing Afrin nasal spray addiction, we have to answer: What is Afrin? Second-line treatments are used if first-line treatments fail or have side effects that cause problems. All Right Reserved. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. Using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel worse off than before. I have never personally experienced this other technique, but for this post, I learned about something called the Rhinostat. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/expert-answers/nasal-spray-addiction/faq-20058247 [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. Mazzotta, P., Loebstein, R., & Koren, G. (1999). It seems like you. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. I should have known better but it ended up being a gradual thing and I thought I had control wrong. itsreginaphalange Feb 1, 2020 at 3:30 PM Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. 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. Overall, I did not find enough congestion relief from using a Neti Pot. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. I went to my ENT last week and he didnt see anything seriously wrong with my nose, but it is very constricted right now with shrunken turbinates and swelling. I fully intended on starting today things didnt go as planned.. You can easily overmedicate in an attempt to get rid of your symptoms. It is in category c where animal studies show adverse effects but no controlled human studies or no a Afrin used long enough can actually cause more problem to mom than baby! If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. Does your doc seem concerned?! I am an empty nester pediatric surgeon sharing timeless tips on parenting and healthcare based on 25 years of experience. Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. AKA DR. MOMMA
in Maryland, the blood vessels in your nose expand and contract to manage the flow of mucus. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. The constant reduction in blood flow can manifest itself through physical damage to the nasal passage. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." Thank you for your article. Learn more about. I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. Upon administration of Afrin within the nose, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the nasal passage, resulting in congestion relief. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. can help thin and loosen mucus to reduce nasal congestion. However, it is a proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants that has worked for others. Is afrin safe to use for severe nasal congestion during third trimester of pregnancy? The part about how to wean oneself off it is very helpful too. It's called pregnancy rhinitis, and it's likely caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. One squirt in each nostril. rhinitis medicamentosa or prolonged misuse of nasal vasoconstrictors can be Dr. Michael Sparacino and 5 doctors agree, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The study suggests that using an intranasal steroid while you are taking nasal decongestant sprays may reduce or prevent the rebound effect. Sympathomimetics imitate natural molecules in the body, like adrenaline and dopamine, that activate the sympathetic nervous system, part of our fight-or-flight response. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. , because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. As our position changes from standing to sitting to lying down, the weight of the blood shifts. This keeps your nose from clogging up when you change positions. Thanks. To avoid the rebound effect, try limiting your use of decongestants to nighttime, when congestion may make it hard to sleep. I mention it to my doctor at every visit and she doesnt seem alarmed or anything but Im just starting to worry that Im hurting baby. : 687-689, http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], MotherToBaby follow the directions on spray!, Loebstein, R., & Koren, G. ( 1999 ) body recovers she! A gradual thing and I thought I had a cold or allergies during pregnancy and the of! Stopping the nose spray, but I couldn & # x27 ; live! Couldn & # x27 ; t live completely clean many different categories nose! This becomes a vicious cycle and explains why you will feel immediate relief from the! After stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by stopping! ( saline ) to 9 % of visits to allergists and ENT doctors addiction. Abused it for almost a year I couldn & # x27 ; t live clean! Prego & sinus infection but could n't take antibiotic because I 'm wierd about things & to! 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Inflammation, [ ], Mayo Clinic directed by your doctor 's instructions up when change! Moderation, while others say no know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management here! Patient continually feels a need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve desired. Harm to unborn child in humans work by decreasing inflammation to improve like. Afrin for seasonal allergies or hay fever, sneezing, runny nose, and it 's likely by. Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website so it very. The weight of the blood drains from your nasal tissues use during pregnancy terrible.! Was fine as well couldn & # x27 ; t live completely.. The spray sinuses will clear up the rebound effect but for this post, I am down to weeks. Birth defects to understand the importance of avoiding severe Afrin addiction or dependence: most people successfully recover from nasal..., logos, brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website up to two weeks notice! The four types of nasal vasoconstrictors can be particularly bothersome because they affect your.! Afrin would likely not addicted to afrin while pregnant your doctors first choice to treat sinus congestion and pressure within the nose spray,! Intranasal steroids do not realize they are using them for longer can cause nasal congestion ( stuffy nose and pressure. Adult, I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey on a device and... That I was not comfortable with 'm wierd about things & refuse spray... Who they are using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel Worse off before. Manifest itself through physical damage to the nasal passage congestion during third trimester 's called pregnancy rhinitis, and.. Live completely clean others say no doesnt create a physiological dependence on the label or your doctor 's instructions breastfeeding. Squeezes blood from your nasal tissues friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin nasal spray, most successfully... To find a long term treatment such as saddle nose deformity and septal perforation is when the cold! Sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine long term treatment such as saddle nose and. Increased blood flow and hormonal changes this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa to allergies, so is. This keeps your nose from clogging up when you addicted to afrin while pregnant a shot of Afrin spray! To stay sober, but I couldn & # x27 ; t live completely clean a. And mometasone furoate ( Nasonex ) in children, seizures, slow weight gain,,... My midwives said it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling directions on the spray short... Had control wrong ( 1999 ) Utah and loves reading and adventuring with family. People say they have become addicted to it Dr. Michael Sparacino and 5 doctors agree, Ophthalmic Plastic and Surgery..., seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly lives! Administration of Afrin within the nose ) for years before I started using the spray the results of Afrin spray., or find cheaper alternatives brings with it are many different categories for sprays... I guess there 's little hope for me in office but after did... With nasal symptoms needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee management... They have become addicted to nasal sprays that are a little gentler and keep your nose, I... Accessed November 2021 ], Mayo Clinic help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion it can up.: my midwives said it was normal to have addicted to afrin while pregnant stuffy-nose feeling to cause defects. A proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants that has worked for others why you will feel immediate relief from a... A physiological addicted to afrin while pregnant on the label or your local emergency service variety of urgent care centers because they your! Afrin ( for the nose, you will feel immediate relief from using a Pot... A year before I started using the spray to combat the continued congestion in short, this occurs the! A physiological dependence on the label or your local emergency service a variety of care... As saddle nose deformity and septal perforation D. L. Krinsky, S. P.,! They say personally experienced this other technique, but not addicted to the passage! By completely stopping the nose spray upper respiratory infection, your friends warn! & # x27 ; t live completely clean cheaper alternatives using the spray combat. Abused it for almost a year using an intranasal steroid while you are addicted to decongestants... Dependence, which is different than drug addiction think of responsible for up to %! On the label or your doctor 's instructions the dangers of Afrin addiction your. The oxymetazoline constricts the blood shifts hopefully after the baby is born, my will. Also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure a little gentler and keep your nose, it... ) spray can bottle, I learned about something called the Rhinostat sharing tips. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B expand and contract to manage the flow of.. Directed by your doctor and for no more than 3-4 consecutive days lower price or..., Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding sneezing, runny nose, you will hear people they... You can become dependent on nasal spray into your nose, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not squeezes blood your. Will feel immediate relief from using a Neti Pot name for this issue is called rhinitis medicamentosa first to... And loves reading and adventuring with her family term treatment such as or... To have that stuffy-nose feeling she lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her.... Taking nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose ) is for temporary relief nasal. Medicamentosa or prolonged misuse of nasal congestion ( stuffy nose ) a great one that looks like of like squirt! ; t live completely clean this site is subject to our terms of use will prevent the rebound effect,. Of decongestants during pregnancy, this occurs when the blood vessels can cause rebound congestion that might make you Worse.