Doctors warn certain nasal sprays could be addictive

(5/24/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) -- Are you coughing and sneezing? Perhaps reaching for the nasal spray? We have a warning you'll want to hear.

The warning in three words: less is more. Because you can't use a nasal decongestant spray for long or you risk getting addicted to it.

Chantel Turner said, "I should never have used it."

Chantel was addicted to Afrin nasal spray. She began using it for her nasal congestion caused by Houston allergies.

"I had to have it with me at all times," she said.

Three years later, she realized she had a big problem.

Chantel said, "My nasal congestion was worse because it has what's called a rebound effect."

Chantel now couldn't breathe without Afrin.

Dr. Samer Fakhri with UT Houston Medical School explained, "The patients start using higher doses and more frequent sprays to achieve the same level of decongestion they had earlier and that starts a nasal cycle."

"This is something when you're ready to stop it or tired of it in a couple of weeks, you may not be able to stop," Chantel said.

It's Houston and thousands of us suffer from allergies. And we may need nasal decongestants. But there's a caution.

"We strongly advise them that used for more than three to five days may lead to rebound effects, meaning it may backfire and cause the nose to become congested for a much longer period of time," Dr. Fakhri warned.

Chantel said, "The nasal spray, when I started using it I definitely didn't expect to use it long term, nothing near three years."

Not all over the counter nasal sprays warrant the same concern.

"When we see a nasal decongestant spray, that's what we're talking about, these addictive substances," Dr. Fakhri clarified. "Now, topical steroid sprays, antihistamines and nasal antihistamines are not in this category."

The decongestants in the spray can increase blood pressure. Chantel has lost most of her sense of smell. And she has weaned herself off the decongestant spray.

"(It took) a firm commitment to not use Afrin," she said. "And I know what I'm describing sounds like I had to leave alcohol alone but, it's really that severe."

Chantel now uses saline nasal spray and other products her doctor recommends that are not addictive.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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