Warning about nasal sprays used especially in winter,  Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan stated that nasal sprays should not be used outside the time and dose recommended by doctors.

Stating that nasal sprays should not be used outside the time and dose recommended by doctors, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan: "In cases of long-term use, it can be addictive and change blood values."

Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan warned about nasal sprays used especially in winter. Stating that seasonal upper respiratory tract infections, nasal congestion, and discharge increase rapidly, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan: "We can think of nasal sprays in two groups as those that are used for a short time and those that should be used for a long time according to the active substance they contain. Nasal sprays recommended by doctors should never be used except for the duration and the recommended dose.”

"Long-term Use May Change Blood Values"

Stating that the effectiveness of the drug decreases in long-term use of sprays that should be used for a short time, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan: "In cases of long-term use, it can be addictive and change blood values. In animal experiments, it has been shown that after the fifth day, permanent damage occurs at the end of the eighth week when the damage begins in the nasal mucosa. Sweating, rapid and irregular heartbeats are observed in overdose and side effects. There may be nosebleeds due to dryness in the nasal tissue."

Pay Attention to the Air Conditioners and Heaters in the Living Spaces!

Stating that nasal congestion leads to sinusitis and otitis media, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan: "In such cases, nasal sprays can be used for a short time to remove nasal congestion. However, the heating and air conditioners used in the living environments also reduce the humidity of the inhaled air. As a result of the dryness in the nose and the growth of the nasal flesh as a reaction to this, a feeling of congestion may occur."

Psychological Addiction

Due to the feeling of relief created by the sprays used during upper respiratory tract infections in the patient, it was reported that some people used the same spray in congestion due to environmental factors after the disease. Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan: "This first starts as psychological dependence, then as the duration of use increases, the nasal functions begin to deteriorate due to the changes in the nasal tissues. The patient progressively states that s/he cannot breathe without using the nasal spray. Nasal sprays, which should be used for a short time, act quickly and eliminate the feeling of congestion in the nose within minutes. It is not recommended more than 3-4 times a day.”

Nasal Spray is Temporary

Underlining that nasal obstruction with the help of spray is a temporary solution, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan: "Some active ingredient sprays provide contraction of the muscle tissue around the small vessels that carry blood to the nose, reduce nasal blood supply and eliminate swelling in the tissues. However, this is a temporary solution, after about 6 hours, these muscles relax and the nasal mucosa and conchae swell more, increasing nasal congestion."

"Tissue Damage Occurs with Long-Term Use"

Underlining that the use of these sprays should be discontinued in order to eliminate the tissue damage that may occur if the sprays are used for a long time, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan gave the following information: "If you have diseases such as prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, narrow-angle eye pressure, diabetes, heart disease, hardening of the arteries, thyroid problems, eye pressure, heart disease, you must inform your doctor before using this medicine. The use of the drug may not be suitable for these patients. However, it should not be used in children under two years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding."

Pay Attention to the Usage!

Stating that nasal sprays, which should be used for a short time, are useful in removing congestion after various diseases, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan "It is used to facilitate the flow of secretions and to facilitate the examination of the nasal cavity (rhinoscopy) in the diseases of the nasal congestions related to the common cold or another cold that develops in a short time. Congestion in the nose without a newly started cold, allergy, inflammation of the middle ear; nasal congestions caused by the inflammation of the sinuses around the nose and the sinuses around the nose. The duration of use is 3-5 days and 3-4 times a day in the form of two-puffs."

Press Coverage: hurriyet.com | ntv.com | haberturk.com