The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is advising people in Britain to limit the use of nasal decongestant sprays to five days to prevent dependency and rebound congestion.

Rebound Congestion and Dependency

Prolonged use of these sprays can lead to a condition known as rebound congestion, medically termed rhinitis medicamentosa. This results in worsening congestion and a cycle of reliance on the medication. Symptoms include irritation, a runny nose, sneezing, and persistent congestion.

Potential Health Consequences

In severe cases, chronic swelling caused by overuse may require surgical intervention to address breathing difficulties and potential facial disfigurements. The MHRA is specifically warning against using sprays containing xylometazoline and oxymetazoline for more than five consecutive days.

MHRA Guidance and Packaging Updates

The agency plans to update product packaging and patient leaflets to reflect the new guidance, although full implementation is expected to take several months. Officials are urging the public to follow the recommendations immediately.

Expert Advice

Thao Huynh, head of respiratory imaging and critical care at the MHRA, stated, “If your nose remains blocked after five days of using a nasal spray, it could be due to overuse rather than your original symptoms. Continuing to use it may exacerbate the problem. Instead, consult a healthcare professional about stopping the product and exploring alternative treatments.”

Growing Concerns and Personal Stories

The warning follows similar concerns raised by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) earlier this year. Research indicates that nearly 60% of pharmacists believe patients are unaware of the risks associated with long-term use.

Prevalence of Overuse

Over 20% of adults who have used nasal decongestants admit to using them for more than a week, potentially putting approximately 5.5 million people in the UK at risk of developing an addiction. Charlotte Johnstone, a 30-year-old, shared her experience of using decongestant spray up to eight times a day, leading to anxiety and disrupted sleep.

Experts note that while many patients can discontinue use without lasting damage, others may require steroid-based treatments to recover. Johnstone described quitting as “very scary to think about.”