Rhinitis Medicamentosa: What You Need to Know

Rhinitis medicamentosa, also known as rebound nasal congestion, is a condition caused by the overuse of nasal decongestants. These medications, often used to relieve a blocked nose, can lead to worsening symptoms if used for more than a few days.

Causes:
Nasal decongestants, such as nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline or xylometazoline, work by temporarily constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. However, overusing them can cause the blood vessels to become dependent on the medication, leading to a cycle of worsening congestion once the effect wears off.

Symptoms:

Persistent nasal congestion that returns shortly after stopping the decongestant.
A feeling of a blocked or stuffy nose that doesn’t improve with usual treatments.
A need to constantly use nasal sprays to relieve congestion.

Management:
The most important step in managing rhinitis medicamentosa is to stop using nasal decongestants. This can be difficult, but with the help of your ENT specialist, we can develop a plan to wean off the medication gradually.

Steroid nasal sprays may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms during the transition.
Saline nasal rinses can help clear mucus and soothe irritated nasal passages.

When to See an ENT Specialist:
If you find yourself unable to stop using nasal decongestants or if your symptoms persist despite using them as directed, it’s time to see an ENT specialist. We can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatments to help you recover without reliance on nasal sprays.