A member asked:

Chronic nasal congestion for years. use a lot of afrin it is congested mostly on right side. seeing blood when blowing nose & have had a few bleeds ?

16 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

See a doctor: This needs medical attention. Most likely allergic sinusitis, but could be an infection that needs an antibiotic. Nasal or sinus cancer is far less likely, but you shouldn't take the chance. Frequently using Afrin and related sprays makes them work less well, don't last as long, leading to more frequent and unnecssary dosing. You might be allergic to it; try saline spray instead. See doctor soon.

Answered 6/21/2019

168 views

Thank

Stop the afrin: You may be unaware but the Afrin's main component is a chemical that transiently shrinks the capillaries to reduce the fluid they leak swelling the nasal tissue. If used for more than a few days in a row, this shrinking effect turns toxic. The effect is shorter if at all & capillaries injured/leak more. Consult your doc. Using a simple OTC nasal steroid like rhinocort may fix the problem in time

Answered 3/25/2022

168 views

Thank

Afrin over use: This sounds like rhinitis medicamentosa. It's from the effects of overuse of Afrin. You may benefit from oral steroids to get over the withdrawal of the Afrin. You should see an ENT.

Answered 6/9/2019

167 views

Thank

Related Questions