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personal experience blocked nose It is recommended to limit the use nasal decongestant spray Up to 7 days, as prolonged use may worsen symptoms.
A recent poll underscored this concern, finding that nearly 6 in 10 pharmacists reported that patients were unaware of the dangers of long-term use.
While providing short-term relief coldallergies and sinusitis, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) warns that using the spray for more than a week could lead to “rebound congestion.”
This preventable disease, also known as drug-induced rhinitis, causes symptoms to worsen and patients begin to rely on sprays to breathe easier.
An RPS survey of 300 pharmacists found that 59% believed the public were unaware of the risk, while nearly three quarters (74%) said the seven-day expiration date should be more clearly stated on packaging.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) said they had intervened in an alleged overuse situation.
Professor Amira Guirguis, RPS chief scientist, said: “Nasal decongestant sprays can help provide short-term relief, but use for more than seven days may significantly worsen nasal congestion.
“Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, meaning they may continue to use these sprays without realizing they may prolong symptoms.
“We’d like to see clearer warnings on packaging that you can’t miss and raise awareness of the seven-day limit. If your congestion lasts longer than a week, talk to your pharmacist. There are safe and effective alternatives to help you manage your symptoms.”
The RPS urges patients to always follow the instructions on the nasal spray packaging and to seek advice from their pharmacist if nasal congestion persists after 7 days.
The warning comes after Christmas and New Year gatherings led to a winter “rebound” of the virus, with flu hospital admissions increasing slightly, according to NHS England.
There were an average of 2,924 people with flu in hospital beds in England every day in the week to January 4, a 9% increase on 2,676 the week before.
The number had previously been trending downward, reaching 3,140 in the week ending December 14.
The latest round of NHS data also shows a sharp increase in the proportion of patients waiting for ambulances outside England’s hospitals before being handed over to A&E.
About 33% of patients who arrived at the hospital by ambulance last week waited at least 30 minutes before being handed over.
That’s up from 18% the previous week and the highest number so far this winter.
This week does include New Year’s Eve, one of the busiest nights of the year for ambulance crews.