Steroid Nasal Spray: What are the risks of using it?

Numerous people turn to the relieving effects of steroid nasal sprays to get rid of the discomforting congestion in their nose. These sprays are predominantly used for fighting common allergies like cold, fever, flu. They offer short term relief from stuffiness, runny nose, congestion, inflammation in the nose and throat. The sprays basically contain a diluted solution of decongestants which offer relief by constricting the size of blood vessels and allowing the uninterrupted flow of air through the nasal cavities. However, these medications bring along a range of risks and side effects which emerge due to their long term use, misuse or overuse.   

The rebound effect due to the over-usage of the nasal sprays available over the counter is one of the most common complains of people. This effect reduces the body’s response to this drug which is the reason why the congestion persists for longer time. This effect is seen when the person uses this drug continuously for more than 3-4 days. This effect is sometimes also called the nasal spray addiction. Furthermore, the excessive use of these medicines leads to nasal dryness and sometimes bleeding. In case, either of the symptoms occurs, the physician must change the dosage or the strength of the medicine.