2023 SingleCare Administrators. There are many ways to do this, but the simplest way is by using a Neti Pot; they can be found in most drug stores and are typically used for sinus congestion, allergies, and colds. Which means it is not advised unless the benefit outweighs the risk. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. 2020. Even so, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding. Briggs, G., Freeman, R. K., & Yaffe, S. J. so it was probably a coincidence. Other topical decongestants that can also cause rhinitis medicamentosa are naphazoline, xylometazoline, and phenylephrine. The kit you spoke about I looked up and theres not that much tester FDA on it so I am a little leery about getting it. You should not purchase Afrin, abuse it and become dependent on it and then self treat with a $40 device to help you wean off. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. . Is afrin (oxymetazoline) safe in pregnancy? Read more: Overview of nasal and oral corticosteroids for allergies . Rebound congestion is a surprisingly common problem that can cause you months or years of agonized breathing. care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. I hate to admit this, but I feel that I must be honest. Sneezing due to irritation (sneezing stops after irritation diminishes) Many people who use Afrin for over a week or more experience these side effects when Afrin starts wearing off and sinus tissues begin swelling again. I use it every night. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Afrin isnt the only type of nasal spray that can give you relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. When the blood drains from your nose, so do the oxygen and nutrients that blood brings with it. (n.d.). Your physicians are here to help determine why you needed the spray in the first place and how to prevent a recurrent problem. Humidifiers can provide allergy relief by introducing more moisture into the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Also, you need to let your physicians know ALL of the medication that you are taking or have at home to take as needed. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin. 16: Everything (most things) You Need to Know about Sinus Cavities Show Notes I believe everyone has heard about facial sinus cavities and that a sinus infection can happen., Ep 6: Motivate and Empower Kids by Teaching Physical Fitness Early Show Notes This episode of the Dr. Momma Podcast discusses how it is important for parents to motivate and, Ep. The. Allergies are no fun!! She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family. I was panicking and gave in and used it again. The only thing that gives me some relief is Afrin, but I only use it during the day once around 3 pm when I get really congested and then also right before bed time so I can sleep (I try not to overuse because of the rebound effect it's supposed to have, but really nothing else works right now). I do know that my mom used Afrin (she has horrible allergies) and got relief from it, but it is addictive. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. Physicians have completely different training from nurses or nurse practitioners. Ive never used any nasal sprays before until this week. We'll tell you if it's safe. Good luck with your full recovery. I am not sure what the best way is. @2021 - Dr Momma Says. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2016, Nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. My point is that since my doc gave it to me, I would assume it would be safe. Children are born who they are meant to be. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you find you are still having difficulty, please consider seeing an ENT to evaluate the cause of the nasal congestion. I'm using breathe right strips, vicks vapor rub and occasionally benadryl at night to help me sleep. You can avoid getting stuck using nasal sprays by treating your problem correctly the first time around. There's conflicting information out there so we look, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. However, like many drugs, Afrin comes with unique considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. Oxymetazoline works almost immediately, and the medication's full effect is reached in 5-10 minutes. The part about how to wean oneself off it is very helpful too. I succeeded doing this. Can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)? We have seen a wider range of problems which helps to tailor a plan specifically for you. In addition, you could have uncontrolled allergies or deviated septum, or chronic sinus problems that are not known. 13: Surprising Allergy Symptoms You Might Not Suspect Show Notes Todays episode of the Dr. Momma Says Podcast discusses that even though allergies are common, there are many surprising. Using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel worse off than before. If you have more questions about using Afrin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. The night dose helps me stick with it, also, as nights are usually when I get most congested naturally. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Afrin may also cause serious side effects. Oxymetazoline nasal is also known as: Afrin, Afrin NoDrip Severe Congestion, Afrin NoDrip Sinus, Afrin Original, Afrin Sinus, CVS Health Sinus Relief, Dristan 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duration, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Mucinex Sinus-Max Full Force, Mucinex Sinus-Max Moisture Smart, NRS Nasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, Oxyfrin, Heroin use during pregnancy can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). As a baby boomer, I share My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. Benzonatate costs $46 without insurance. There is no one side fits all answer. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. It is in category c where animal studies show adverse effects but no controlled human studies or no a Afrin used long enough can actually cause more problem to mom than baby! What non-drug treatments should I try first? My doctor isn't concerned in the least. Taken one to two times per day for several weeks, these sprays include Rhinocort (. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. However, you may experience a feeling of needing to use more and more of the spray just to be able to breathe regularly. All together, the nasal spray market is worth a whopping $210 million a year. Heres what you need to know. So happy I could help get you started on your journey to kick the Afrin habit. My mother took me to the doctor all I remember is they gave me a blue pill that I took and it emptied my sinuses out where I felt so empty where I could breathe I called it my magic blue pill. How do you treat this vicious cycle? Why was it so hard to quit? Is it okay for a pregnant women to take afrin (oxymetazoline) nose spray? Bonus: You can. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. is it safe for the baby? American Journal of Epidemiology, 178(2):198-208. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/808231_4 [Accessed November 2021], Cleveland Health Clinic. Decongestants are a type of medicine that can give some short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. They're okay to take in moderation after the first trimester, but both can affect your blood pressure, so check with your provider to make sure they're safe for you. Oxymetazoline, one of the most common active ingredients used in nasal spray decongestants (including Afrin), is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. The purpose of nasal irrigation is to rinse out mucus and any debris from the nasal passageways. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But I wouldnt suggest reaching for it first; use all other measures before Afrin., If the problem is allergies, topical nasal steroids (, ) reduce allergic inflammation over a couple days, Dr. Gels says. So easy and delicious. Does your doc seem concerned?! Doctors seemed to think it easy to suggest going cold turkey. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. During the second stage, the scores of nasal congestion in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down. Here. and my water broke that night. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. I remember my mom would give nose drops to my brother and me every night, and it was just part of our bedtime ritual: nose drops, some Vicks Vapor Rub, a prayer, and good night. The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Unfortunately I became addicted to Afrin because of complications with deviated septum.. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, to relieve sinus congestions and allergies. This may have contributed to my dependency on Afrin. I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. There are, work by decreasing inflammation to improve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. It is harder getting off of it at this time then the hydrocodone because I am claustrophobic and just the littlest bit of not being able to breathe since me in orbit. This means they need to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. Rebound congestion is increasing nasal congestion as the decongestant nasal spray wears off, causing the patient to use more spray to combat the continued congestion, explains Susan Besser, MD, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at, in Baltimore. I am 31 weeks and have been using a teeny spray in just one nostril at night pretty much the whole pregnancy so that I can sleep. I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. Learn how to get benzonatate at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives. A first-line medication for allergies during pregnancy would have the most research showing two things: that the drug is effective and that it does not cause birth defects when used during pregnancy. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: Can you give me how to dilute the Afrin with what in order to wean myself off. You may want to ask your doctor the following questions: Your doctor can help you find relief from your allergy symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. I have already shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin, but lets be honest, many people still use it incorrectly. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine aren't recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. While less potentially harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will affect the baby as well. The main symptom of congestion is a stuffy nose. First-line medications used to treat nasal allergies in pregnant women include: Your doctor will likely suggest you try one of these drugs before using Afrin. Afrin only temporarily masks an issue. My doctor told me not to use it and to use saline spray instead - which did absolutely nothing! The nose is packed with blood vessels, Dr. Gels says. Their purpose, in this case, is to provide relief from nasal congestion. For most of my life, I felt that it was normal to have that stuffy-nose feeling. I cannot breathe! Using it was so relievingand so liberating. Rebound congestion is when your nasal congestion comes back or gets worse. As the active ingredient is lessened, so is the rebound. Everything was fine. I tried, ONCE, like a month ago to not use it and couldn't even hope to sleep bc I couldn't breathe! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. It reduces the active ingredient as you work through a bottle of it, that you delete at various stages with saline they provide. 2020. Oxymetazoline (nasal route). So, the patient continually feels a need to use the spray to combat the continued congestion. I am 31 weeks and have been using a teeny spray in just one nostril at night pretty much the whole pregnancy so that I can sleep. According to. Some sites say you can use it in moderation, while others say no. Afrin is an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray that provides temporary relief from congestion. These sprays will help unblock your nose when you suffer from allergy-induced nasal congestion or have a cold. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. Some other common. You can become dependent on nasal spray, but not addicted to it. . Pregnancy and allergies, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Try breathe right strips I swear by them and some Vicks on chest and back! Pregnant with the Worse Head Cold/ Sinus Infection Ever. Afrin Original oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Afrin nose spray works wonders to improve nasal congestion but it is not meant for long term or recurrent use. Learn Why Putting Vaseline in the Nose Could Really Be Life-Threatening, Why You MUST Immediately Ask for the Credentials of Healthcare Providers, 6 Salty Secrets You Need to Know About Saline Nose Spray, Avoid 7 Undesirable Ear Tube Complications with Routine Checkups, 12 Well-Known Causes of Nasty Nosebleeds in Children, consult your primary care physician to learn about the underlying nasal problem, consider using nasal steroid which are long term anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, See an ENT surgeon to determine if there is a structural problem like enlarged adenoid, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or chronic sinus infection (consider having surgery to remove the structural blockage will allow the recurrent swelling to be treated more effectively. There are adverse events reported sporadically after high dose/prolonged use, especiall C drug, means that adverse effects have been shown in animal studies. 2021. People swear by it, but I don't see any difference after using it. This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. Now, I only use one spray in each nostril at night around 9 PM. Afrin is considered a "chemical tourniquet." I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. You can also try saline nasal sprays that are a little gentler and keep your nose hydrated. m msorsby I have had terrible pregnancy rhinitis this entire pregnancy. Some severe cases need a few days of oral steroids while then beginning a nasal steroid spray. AFRIN ORIGINAL - oxymetalozine hydrochloride spray. DailyMed. The rebound ensures Afrin manufacturers of more sales. Charlotte Doyle (author) from Texas on March 29, 2018: Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on March 28, 2018: Excellent article Charlotte. Your post clarified it for me. Immediate relief but I know its coming back with a vengeance .. so Ive joined this group in hopes to connect with others and learn more and hopefully hear some stories of how its turned out for others quitting cold turkey and for those that weaned off thank you.. please send me healing energy. Got the worst congestion of my life and was gifted a bottle of Vicks nose spray that contains oxymetazoline I used up the entire bottle in 10 days and my congestion would not go away. Adrenaline released into the blood during a fight or flight response (such as running to evade a predator) attaches to receptors in the nose, widening the passages so we can breathe easier, Dr. Gels explains. As I have said a million times, you need to understand why you have nasal congestion and work with your physician to determine a long term treatment plan. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. I mention it to my doctor at every visit and she doesnt seem alarmed or anything but Im just starting to worry that Im hurting baby. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. The good news? A. This article is not medical advice. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Oxymetazoline. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. My final piece of advice is to find out what is causing your nasal congestion and treat that cause rather than just treating the symptoms. I found Rhinostat and going to use their product hOPEFULLY MY ANXIETY AND FEARS WILL SUBSIDE!! Close Pregnancy Community 72.4k Members Addicted to afrin nasal spray! It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. Phenylephrine. 2013. Here's how you can stop being addicted to Afrin. I have been using afrin (oxymetazoline) for the past month and i'm 15 weeks pregnant. I never had any issues with allergies or congestion.. but on some night my nose would clog up and I started using a walmart brand of nasal decongestant.. needless to say I got hooked and started to use this product Every Night! I am an empty nester pediatric surgeon sharing timeless tips on parenting and healthcare based on 25 years of experience. These are available over the counter. The oxymetazoline works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after binding to them. Manage Settings in Maryland, the blood vessels in your nose expand and contract to manage the flow of mucus. I get SO closterphobic if I can't breath out of my nose. All rights reserved. I am not sure about using Afrin during pregnancy. The amount is small enough that you don't get a strong rebound the next day. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. Exercise. They may suggest other options that can help ease your nasal and sinus problems. Stinging and burning of nasal passage tissues. So I bought off brand afrin and only then did I read the back after using it for 3 days straight and find out what was really going on now . But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . Oct 25, 2017. Running a humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to dry indoor air. Help. | What is Singulair? Sato, K. (2012). Do I need medication to treat my symptoms? The best way to break an Afrin addiction, according to Dr. Besser, is to stop taking the medication cold turkey. I'll admit I use it. Mazzotta, P., Loebstein, R., & Koren, G. (1999). Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy. , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. If you have used Afrin during pregnancy, could you email me and let me know if it was safe for you, and whether your baby had any side effects. I'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up my nose. I hope others who are wishing to overcome Afrin addiction read this and consider your actionable, practical advice. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. What are the side effects of decongestants? Use nasal strips at night to help open up your nasal passages while you sleep. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. I was awaresomewhere in the back of my mindthat I wasn't supposed to be using Afrin for an extended period of time, but I did anyway. The problem can go on for months to years. Can you give me an idea how to dilute and what I should use to wean myself off I would appreciate any help you can give me. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Learn the signs of inner ear infection and when to see a doctor. https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/oxymetazoline/ [Accessed November 2021], MotherToBaby. Treating the common cold during pregnancy. Your nasal tissues need these things, so once the Afrin wears off, your body overcompensates by drawing more blood to your nose, and you feel even more congested than you did beforewhich makes you want to use it again. The Rhinostat kit includes a metered dose delivery system that dilutes the nasal spray dose by 10 percent to 15 percent every day until the nasal turbinates are able to resume their normal functioning. At some point, the medicine will stop working for you and will begin working against you. During the first stage of treatment, it appeared that 39% of the children treated with mometasone furoate had a considerable reduction in symptoms. Zytec D, Claritin D, and Allegra D are often surprising decongestant medication to many people since they are often labeled as allergy medications. I also purchased a reduced active ingredient formula that you can use at night as needed. My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. Now I am wondering if I could go cold turkey and how bad it is going to be. If you're suffering from a cold or allergies during pregnancy, nasal sprays are most likely safe to use. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. Treating opioid use disorder in pregnant women involves a combination of opioid replacement medication, counselling and behaviour therapy. Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy. I read multiple places (like your article) to not take it more than 3 days, but then what? Many people have heard that nose sprays are bad because they can be addictive, and this can be true. Physical activity can help decrease nasal swelling. I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. (2013, September 7).LactMed: Oxymetazoline, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad, clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-1490, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608026.html#side-effects, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxymetazoline-nasal-route/before-using/drg-20067830, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/allergy-medications/faq-20058122, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1472-9733.2011.01160.x/full, acaai.org/allergies/who-has-allergies/pregnancy-allergies, toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/r?dbs+lactmed:@term+@DOCNO+488, Put Down the Afrin: How Some People Can Be Dependent on Common Cold Meds, How to Clean and Maintain Your Humidifier, Types of Humidifiers and How to Safely Use Them, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023, Why Twins Dont Have Identical Fingerprints, corticosteroids such as budesonide and beclomethasone (nasal sprays), antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (oral tablets). If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Adrenaline can change blood flow to your nose as well. It seems like you. She's a perfectly normal kid, no problems at all. I found that the combination of antihistamine and decongestant worked well to relieve my nasal congestion. Hello ladies. AKA DR. MOMMA I would like to say thank you for this article. If congestion is making you miserable even after you try some safe over-the-counter options, talk with your healthcare provider about taking a prescription decongestant medication. can help thin and loosen mucus to reduce nasal congestion. I should have known better but it ended up being a gradual thing and I thought I had control wrong. True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. So sorry to hear this but glad you are on the mend. Oxymetazoline works by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which helps you breathe more easily. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Nasal Sprays Work Best When You Use Them Correctly Here's How. If you use a nasal decongestant spray like Afrin for more than three days, you may experience such rebound nasal congestion, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Afrin Nose Spray Addiction Over the counter decongestants are both effective and safe when used correctly and not for more than 3-4 consecutive days. It is actually very common. Rinse your nasal passages with a Neti pot once or twice a day. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. I had same situation as you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but couldn't take antibiotic because I'm allergic. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. They do however make people feel good by helping them to breathe easier. containing fluticasone and azelastine, are available by prescription. ) There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years. According to theNational Institute on Drug Addiction, theres a difference between physical drug dependence and addiction. , it can take one to two weeks to recover from congestion caused by Afrin withdrawal, which may be alleviated by taking oral decongestants. The problem can go on for months to years. Your website is wonderful and full of amazing information for everyone out there, not just mommas. When I tried not using Afrin for a day, I almost cried. National Institute of Health. 2008. If youre using Afrin for seasonal allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your friends may warn you about the dangers of Afrin addiction. However, there is no proof that Afrin causes chemical dependency or that it causes a high. In severe cases, overuse of a decongestant spray can lead to damage and inflammation of the nasal tissue. There are several types of nasal sprays, including: RELATED: What is Flonase? But I never got any more after that Mom ended up putting me on Dristan in which I was on for years until I realized that was what was causing my insomnia. I recommend you see an ENT as soon as possible. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am so sorry to hear about your nasal problems but you are not alone. "Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers," she says. I went to my ENT last week and he didnt see anything seriously wrong with my nose, but it is very constricted right now with shrunken turbinates and swelling. When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered.

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