Question 1

is it a bad idea to use afrin for occasional nasal congestion?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Afrin (oxymetazoline) can elevate blood pressure; so it should definitely be avoided in uncontrolled hypertensive patients and anyone with significant cardiac disease.  Also, using it for more than three days tends to lead to a "rebound congestion" just as bad as the original congestion your were treating.  Pharmaceutical grade essential oil of peppermint is a safer choice  www.Medacpc.Com.

Question 2

had a bad cold and used afrin (oxymetazoline).. on 5th day now. only needed it once today unlike other days. is it ok to still use tomorrow since i'm needing it less?

Accepted Answer

No: Stop the afrin immediately or you will develop rebound and rhinitis medicamentosa, a fancy name that will make your nose worse and breathing worse.  Otc nasal sprays should only be used for 3 days.  The cause of you nasal obstruction is usually a viral infection and saline irrigations are much more physiological and safer.

Question 3

bad sinus congestion - can you take flonase and afrin at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but: Read the labels carefully and don't exceed recommended dosage and duration for either, as for afrin don't exceed 3 days in a row, if no improvement see your doctor, wish you well

Question 4

why is it bad to use a nasal spray with oxymetazoline hydrochloride nightly?

Accepted Answer

Tachyphylaxis: Basically your nose will become desentized to the effect of the oxymetazoline. If you use beyond the recommend time (3-5 days), your nose will upregulate receptors for it and require more and more for the same effect. There are better options for nightly nasal stuffiness and simple in-office procedures can be a permanent solution for you - see your local ent.

Question 5

if i overuse afrin nasal spray due to being extremely stuffy during a cold, will that harm be other than possibly rebound effect? it's not so bad ??

Accepted Answer

Addiction: Nasal sprays like afrin can be addictive because they work and sometimes create a need for themselves. Some patients use them for decades and just cannot stop. There are other options your doc can discuss

Question 6

i use oxymetazoline based decongestants for over a decade every single day. when i stop my nose gets blocked bad. i have a horrible headache as well.

Accepted Answer

OxymetazolinRhinitis: See your ENT physician.  Long term oxymetazoline use causes rebound nasal swelling and possibly nasal septal perforation.  Your physician may place you on a nasal steroid spray and a short course of oral steroid if there's no contraindication.

Question 7

i have really bad nasal congestion and afrin aint working what can i do to make these mochos go away?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: There are many causes for muscle cramps, but given your age and the fact that you're working in heat, my first thought would be dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. I would go to your primary care physician and report these symptoms. He or she will most likely order some blood work to see how your electrolytes are doing. Needless to say, when you're out working in heat, it's vitally important.

Question 8

would afrin spray get rid of a post nasal drip and therefore remove bad odour caused by sinuses?

Accepted Answer

Can only use few day: Can only use 3 days. You need to ask your physician to have you see an ENT specialist. You may have sinus disease.

Question 9

i have a cold, and i used afrin nasal spray. i sniffled up after using it, & i felt some driplets go into my lungs, from my nostrils. is this bad?

Accepted Answer

This side effect: from nasal sprays is expected and does not cause problems. The constituents in Afrin and other nasal sprays do not cause lung inflammation or infection, similar to the constituents used in inhalers. As, or more often, people swallow excess Afrin which is more of a problem. Follow administration directions explicitly, especially not taking for more than a few days at a time. You can be "hooked."

Question 10

how to unclog my ear? i had a bad sinus infection last week. took a zpak and feel better except my left ear is clogged and won't pop. its more annoying than anything but sounds like fluid crackling. i tried a sinus rinse, peroxide, afrin, hot rag on it an

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, : Unfortunately, fluid build-up behind an ear drum is common after an upper respiratory illness or sinus infection.

Since there are no medications shown to alleviate the pressure or drain the fluid from behind the ear drum, it will either resolve on its own or it has to be done with a suction and/or ear tubes. You can try taking Motrin or tylenol (acetaminophen) for the ear discomfort, but time is the best treatment.  If your ear discomfort worsens, go see your doctor for an evaluation.

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Doctor answers about:

Is it bad to use afrin

A member asked:

Is it a bad idea to use afrin for occasional nasal congestion?

A member asked:

Had a bad cold and used afrin (oxymetazoline).. on 5th day now. only needed it once today unlike other days. is it ok to still use tomorrow since i'm needing it less?

A member asked:

Bad sinus congestion - can you take flonase and afrin at the same time?

A member asked:

Why is it bad to use a nasal spray with oxymetazoline hydrochloride nightly?

A member asked:

If i overuse afrin nasal spray due to being extremely stuffy during a cold, will that harm be other than possibly rebound effect? it's not so bad ??

A member asked:

I use oxymetazoline based decongestants for over a decade every single day. when i stop my nose gets blocked bad. i have a horrible headache as well.

A member asked:

I have really bad nasal congestion and afrin aint working what can i do to make these mochos go away?

A member asked:

Would afrin spray get rid of a post nasal drip and therefore remove bad odour caused by sinuses?

A member asked:

I have a cold, and i used afrin nasal spray. i sniffled up after using it, & i felt some driplets go into my lungs, from my nostrils. is this bad?

A member asked:

How to unclog my ear? i had a bad sinus infection last week. took a zpak and feel better except my left ear is clogged and won't pop. its more annoying than anything but sounds like fluid crackling. i tried a sinus rinse, peroxide, afrin, hot rag on it an

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