Inner ear infections can be particularly bothersome because they affect your balance. can help thin and loosen mucus to reduce nasal congestion. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Now I cant breathe without it. Aa. Symptoms include excessive crying, fever, irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly . This allowed me to decrease my dose of Afrin by pouring out half the bottle and replacing it with a saline solution. As our position changes from standing to sitting to lying down, the weight of the blood shifts. This keeps your nose from clogging up when you change positions. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years. Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. Nasonex is an intranasal steroid that reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways. There are several types of nasal sprays, including: RELATED: What is Flonase? Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2016, Nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. Adding these items to your diet when youre sick could help you get rid of phlegm, If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of, addiction. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. Tolerance can lead to physical drug dependence, which is different than drug addiction. It is also important to note that decongestants like pseudoephedrine are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions. I have outlined some of the treatment options but it needs to be tailored to her symptoms. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms., In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. Your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. Mazzotta, P., Loebstein, R., & Koren, G. (1999). Somehow I ended up getting off of it it wasnt easy but I did it. I never had any issues with allergies or congestion.. but on some night my nose would clog up and I started using a walmart brand of nasal decongestant.. needless to say I got hooked and started to use this product Every Night! This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. I could not sleep well at all. Along with its needed effects, oxymetazoline nasal (the active ingredient contained in Afrin) may cause some unwanted effects. help treat runny noses from allergies and other causes. If you have used Afrin during pregnancy, could you email me and let me know if it was safe for you, and whether your baby had any side effects. If the decongestants (such as Afrin) are used for longer than the prescribed number of days, rebound congestion will likely develop. , because it doesnt create a physiological dependence on the spray. Never take it again for life? It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. Good luck. I remember my mom would give nose drops to my brother and me every night, and it was just part of our bedtime ritual: nose drops, some Vicks Vapor Rub, a prayer, and good night. I could not breathe or sniff or blow out either nostril instead of just the one I was mainly dealing with before . There have been very few Pregnancy category c. Thus it has not been established if it will cause harm to unborn child in humans. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. I have even seen ENT doctors recommend it for very limited use, she says. I am a big fan of understanding WHY medication is needed and then treating the underlying problem. I am not sure what the best way is. same. Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. I also do the saline nasal rinses, and they help a ton too! Little did I know, those daily nose drops would come back and haunt me. 2008. Pregnancy week by week; Is it safe to take Claritin or other allergy medications during pregnancy? Decongestants often do not have any side effects, and if they do, they are usually really mild. Intranasal steroids do not work immediately like oxymetazoline does; it can take up to two weeks to notice the effects. I have tried every other remedy and nothing works and my doctor says I have to get some sleep somehow. The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. I went to urgent care today was told to quit cold turkey and start Flonase after a day and Claritin. Know the side effects and precautions, and always follow the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. DailyMed. While less potentially harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will affect the baby as well. 2019. Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. Pregnancy is already so miserable for me, its one less thing to have to be miserable over! Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. so it was probably a coincidence. Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you have had a similar experience. Best of luck to you. All rights reserved. Ive used it during my pregnancies too. Also, you need to let your physicians know ALL of the medication that you are taking or have at home to take as needed. Over-the-counter nasal sprays dont cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. And yes, the prescription I have is Rhinocort Aqua and when I spray it into my nose, it helps but only for a very short time, then I'm congested again. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. I combined this kit with a prescription from my doctor for prednisone that I took in decreasing amounts for a week. I cannot breathe! A. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'mamapedia_com-box-4','ezslot_8',638,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mamapedia_com-box-4-0');I used it a few times one day in my last pregancy. I'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up my nose. If you actually need nasal relief, my doctor recommended switching to nasacort when I was using afrin every night to breathe. The rebound ensures Afrin manufacturers of more sales. Charlotte Doyle (author) from Texas on March 29, 2018: Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on March 28, 2018: Excellent article Charlotte. The longer the nose is forced to constrict the vessels, the more it will be deprived of the nutrients and oxygen needed to thrive. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. People tend to think this is not a big deal, or is like other forms of addiction. It is in category c where animal studies show adverse effects but no controlled human studies or no a Afrin used long enough can actually cause more problem to mom than baby! 1,341. All Right Reserved. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. | What is Singulair? Adrenergic receptors can be found on the smooth muscle of blood vessels. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). The doctor put me in amoxicillin (apparently one of the few antibiotics you can use during pregnancy) but it's not doing the job of clearing up my sinuses fast enough. He explains that oxymetazoline (the active ingredient in Afrin) actually works by mimicking adrenaline in your nose. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. Is azithromycin safe to take while pregnant, It is safe to take celestamine while pregnant, Is it safe to take lunesta while pregnant. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. Many people are unaware that they have allergies so I am working to help change what we consider allergies as well as when and how to treat them. Nevertheless, everyone can be successfully treated. I very much hope to be nasal spray free by January 2020, it would be a dream come true. Once you stop, it should resolve itself in 1-2 weeks. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The good news? It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. I use Affrin occasionally at night when I cant sleep due to congestion and dont want to become dependent. but my dr also knows and has never said anything! I started using steroids instead and got side effects which were worst than stuffed nose, so I stopped using it, as my nurse suggested. (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. So sorry to hear this but glad you are on the mend. Afrin may also cause serious side effects. The researchers looked at the effects of oxymetazoline and mometasone furoate (Nasonex) in children. My husband had to stop at a gas station just so I could buy an overpriced bottle. They may suggest other options that can help ease your nasal and sinus problems. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be relatively easily managed. I first heard about this method from both my father and my father-in-law, who have successfully used the Neti Pot to relieve their congestion. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. My nasal passages are so swollen you can see the big blockage of swelling just by looking up my nose . It seems like you. Scolaro, K. L. (2015). Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 1 thank View 1 more answer An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. (2013, September). Septal perforation is when the cartilage membrane that divides the nostrils develops small holes. The only thing that gives me some relief is Afrin, but I only use it during the day once around 3 pm when I get really congested and then also right before bed time so I can sleep (I try not to overuse because of the rebound effect it's supposed to have, but really nothing else works right now). Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. You can get Zyrtec-D by asking your pharmacist; you dont need a prescription, but it cannot be found in the regular aisles. Use nasal strips at night to help open up your nasal passages while you sleep. We avoid using tertiary references. What are the side effects of decongestants? Common side effects of Afrin include: 4 Nose dryness and irritation Sneezing Dizziness High blood pressure Fast heart rate Heart palpitations Restlessness Trouble falling or staying asleep Serious Reactions to Afrin What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Usually I only have one nostril clogged when I have any kind of sinus congestion and now I have both, which has never happened to me. Honestly, it's not really something I've told her! In severe cases, overuse of a decongestant spray can lead to damage and inflammation of the nasal tissue. I also used it my other 3 pregnancies and they all came out fine :). But I never got any more after that Mom ended up putting me on Dristan in which I was on for years until I realized that was what was causing my insomnia. I am a pediatric surgeon who successfully raised two daughters. Avoid irritants or triggers for your allergy symptoms, such as pollen, dust, pets, or smoke. I was just given some Rhinocort. 2013. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Discuss this and other options with your doctor so that you can find the best solution for your specific situation. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). I was awaresomewhere in the back of my mindthat I wasn't supposed to be using Afrin for an extended period of time, but I did anyway. So, how do you know if youre addicted? I have been physically addicted to Afrin for years, and have used it WAY more than the recommended dose all pregnancy. You may expect morning sickness, stretch marks, and a backache, but pregnancy can cause some lesser-known symptoms, too. itsreginaphalange Feb 1, 2020 at 3:30 PM But using a dirty humidifiers can emit harmful particles into the air, Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can relieve cold and allergy symptoms, nosebleeds, and dry skin. (2015). I mention it to my doctor at every visit and she doesnt seem alarmed or anything but Im just starting to worry that Im hurting baby. This issue highlights the importance of knowing the name of the medications that you are taking. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Some side effects of decongestants include: More serious side effects that probably need to be reported to your doctor are: JUUL: Vaping Nicotine is Especially Hazardous to Kids.