A pharmacist has warned about the potential dangers of decongestant nasal sprays. Pharmacist Anum said there are a few things people need to know about the common winter remedies
Katie-Ann Gupwell Acting Content Editor
14:57, 16 Jan 2026
Nasal spray users have been issued a warning (stock image)(Image: ozgurcankaya via Getty Images)
Nasal sprays are widely used across the country but, if you’re amongst those who rely on them, there’s some crucial information you should be aware of. Whilst these sprays are popular for tackling congestion, there are important considerations to bear in mind before making them a regular part of your routine.
During this time of year, with colder weather and various illnesses circulating, many people reach for nasal sprays in an attempt to improve their health. However, according to expert guidance, users need to exercise caution, and there are specific reasons why mindfulness is essential when using this medication.
A pharmacist, known as Pharmacist Anum on TikTok, recently issued a warning in a candid video, outlining what people need to understand about nasal sprays. She explained that there are certain situations when these sprays should be avoided.
In the video, Pharmacist Anum stated: “A major issue I see as a pharmacist is the amount of people addicted to decongestant nasal sprays, but overuse can actually cause a lot of harm. The decongestant nasal sprays I’m referring to are things that contain xylometazoline or oxymetazoline.
“Some brands are things like Otrivin, Sudafed, Vicks. They all do nasal sprays that contain these, so have a look at the ingredient list at the back of your nasal spray.
“But, overuse of these can cause something called rebound congestion. Now, what this means is when you stop using the nasal sprays, your blocked nose comes back even worse and then you have to resort back to using it.
“You just get stuck in this vicious cycle. Now, as well as the rebound congestion, overuse can actually damage the lining of your sinuses, causing some real long-term issues.
“So you’re actually only meant to be using these nasal sprays for a maximum of five to seven days. If you’ve been using them for longer than seven days, please don’t panic, but do speak with your pharmacist or GP, who can help support wean you off of the decongestant nasal sprays by using things like saline nasal rinses or steam inhalations. These can really help.”
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She emphasised that if these alternatives don’t provide relief, it’s still crucial to consult a medical professional. This is because a doctor will be able to properly examine the underlying cause of the issue and provide further assistance.
What should you know about the sprays?
What many people don’t realise is that overusing decongestant nasal sprays can trigger a cycle of worsening congestion known as rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion). This occurs when the spray becomes ineffective and your blocked nose actually deteriorates.
When the effects wear off, you can become reliant on the spray. Prolonged use beyond three to seven days also risks damaging the nasal tissues.
It can result in what’s known as rebound congestion. The spray works by constricting blood vessels in your nose, but excessive use reduces their responsiveness.
This leads to increased swelling once the medication’s effects fade. What’s more, there’s a risk of becoming overly dependent on nasal sprays. If you find yourself needing them just to breathe normally, you could end up using them far too often.
In certain instances, these sprays can cause the nasal structures to thicken (a condition known as turbinate hypertrophy) and damage the function of the tiny hairs inside your nose (cilia). There are several important reasons why excessive use should be avoided.
The NHS website warns: “Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse. Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.”
Further details about proper usage and who should use them can be found on the NHS website. Always make sure you read the instructions carefully before taking any medication.