nose sprays for congestion

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 7:51 pm

Are nose sprays better nowadays?
I haven't used a nose spray in decades, ever since abusing them once and living to tell about it! It wasn't wise, but I got addicted. I didn't think it possible until I read about it somewhere, what that does to your nose and how it makes it worse. Boy that was a miserable experience. But of course, I was abusing the sprays. Not wise.

Are there the same dangers of overuse with the newer ones?
Probably a dumb, dumb, dumb question. I hate using anything for my nose. Usually congestion occurs as a result from a cold or flu and the usual pill remedies also help the congestion. So probably a moot point.

mommaw · Post by **mommaw** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:58 pm

Guest,

Been there, done that! I was addicted to Afrin nose spray about 10 years ago and it is a hard addiction to stop! I had not used any spray for years until last year when I had a cold really bad. Finally ask my doctor and he said use mild formula Neo-Synephrine, that it is not too addictive if you don't abuse it. I use it sometimes at night when I cannot breath throught my nose and can't stand the full face mask.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 10:03 pm

mommaw wrote:Guest,

Been there, done that! I was addicted to Afrin nose spray about 10 years ago and it is a hard addiction to stop! I had not used any spray for years until last year when I had a cold really bad. Finally ask my doctor and he said use mild formula Neo-Synephrine, that it is not too addictive if you don't abuse it. I use it sometimes at night when I cannot breath throught my nose and can't stand the full face mask.

Thanks!!!
I just needed a recommendation from someone who has been through this. It gets mighty confusing shopping in a store. So again, thanks!

I just remember it got so bad I simply could not breath at all through my nose for weeks, until the swelling finally went down. Miserable. I don't think my sense of smell has been quite the same since!

derek · Post by **derek** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:19 am

I've been using Sudafed Nightime (contains an antihistamine) with good results, and have just started trying Sudafed 12 Hour. Occasionally I will use Four-Way Spray if things are really bad during the night - but no more than once every 2-3 days.

The pharmacist told me there is no danger of rebound congestion with the Sudafed.

derek

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:21 am

Thanks, derek!!

lynn · Post by **lynn** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:21 am

Does anyone know anything about Flonase? I have a prescription but haven't filled it yet...
lynn

unclebob · Post by **unclebob** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:04 am

Hi Lynn,

I have significant sinus congestion - used the saline spray, Vick's inhaler but didn't work. Doesn't matter if I blow my nose, nothing comes out. What really worked well for me is Ortivin spray, but you cannot use it all the time as congestion will re-occur or worsen and you should not use it with a host of other conditions of which I have some.

Could not put up with the congestion both during the day and when I donned the mask. I think the whole problem seemed to get worse when I started xPAP. Saw family MD on Thursday and started Flonase. Script for 120 - 50mg doses cost $36.26 CAN (ins plan paid 100%). Supposed to take 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. I did twice a day for first 2 days to see if it would help faster. Brochure says you may not get relief for several days or even longer.

So far I am sure it's working for me as am much less congested and breathing better. Time will tell.

I had recently been to my dentist and cardiologist and informed them I am on xPAP but experiencing labored breathing. Cardiologist was thrilled I was on xPAP therapy and both right off the bat recommended Flonase. Both family MD and the pharmacist did not seem to share the same enthusiasim but were not opposed and wished me luck. Sounded like it helps some but maybe not others.

It is steriod based but from what I can tell there are really not a lot of downside effects except it may not work for you.

I'm sitting here and breathing in & out freely so recommend you try it.

All the best.

Bob F

patlgirl · Post by **patlgirl** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:01 pm

I have used both Flonase and Nasacort for my stuffiness. They both work about the same for me. I am good to go when I use it before I go to bed but I am having the stuffiness return in the morning. Wonder if it would hurt me to use it in the morning also? My prescription says once a day, at night, but that is not helping me during the day.

meister · Post by **meister** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:34 pm

You may use up to two squirts twice a day, short-term. I was on Flonase and then switched to Nasonex. Wow!! What a difference. The Nasonex worked
so but better for me. YMMV. You may want to try Pretz Nasal spray.
I am hoping that Rested Gal will write a review of it next time she gets
congested.
http://www.parnellpharm.com/Pretz.htm. Afrin is very nasty
and should be avoided. You are better off using a nasal irrigator with
saline solution until you clear your nose.

Beconase., Nasocort, Rhinocort can all be tried, but to see an effect it will probably takes two weeks to kick in. Free samples are normally handed out by most ENTs.

You may also get some relief from the herbs ButterBur and Echinacea.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:46 pm

I can't quite figure out why my name would be brought up in a post about a problem I never have (nasal congestion) except if I catch a cold - which is not often. A full face mask gets me through that fine as far as using cpap. Lest the wording in your post, Meister, looks like I use a particular spray, here's my "review" - have never used it and doubt I'll ever need to.

I certainly understand why others need to use irrigations, sprays, or meds, or natural remedies to battle daily congestion. I don't have any sinus problems or allergies, so never have used anything. Not much of a review...sorry.

patlgirl · Post by **patlgirl** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:01 pm

Thanks meister for the information on how often I can use the Nasonex Spray. I didn't want to do something to make my nose even worse. I will certainly try the spray in the morning also. I have to get some relief from this awful congestion and sneezing.
Take Care,
Pat Y

meister · Post by **meister** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 7:58 pm

since you write the best reviews and have the most experience!
Sorry if I offended.

lynn · Post by **lynn** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:14 pm

Thanks, Uncle Bob and all the rest! I am going to get the Flonase prescription filled and will let you know how it goes. Sure appreciate all your input. Since I go back and forth on a weekly basis from Seattle to central Washington (big difference between Seattle and east of the Cascade Mountains), I'm not sure if it's allergies or just irritation from CPAP. We are definitely experiencing an early spring here - lots of stuff in bloom. I just haven't had allergies before so I'm suspecting CPAP. Have been on the hose for about six weeks now. It's going well

lynn

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:07 am

The steroidal prescription nasal sprays are the best and most last up to 24 hours. I personally have Nasacort AQ, one spray in each nostril at bedtime. Worked from the first night. Works so good, some nights I don't even need to use it. It is also non-drying so you don't get that effect like with Afrin and other OTC sprays.

Yoga · Post by **Yoga** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:07 pm

Astelin nasal spray works for me. One of the side effects can be sleepiness which happens to me so I use it just at night. Another side effect can be headaches.

nose sprays for congestion

nose sprays for congestion

Flonase Dosage

Nasonex Spray

Rested gal -- I was attempting to give you a kudo

Mask	Humidifier

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