Nasal drops a story
Dr. Noor had seen many patients with colds, but on a rainy Monday afternoon, a young man walked into her office with a familiar complaint.
"Doctor, I’ve been using nasal drops for about a week and a half now, but my nose is still blocked. I can’t sleep without them."
Dr. Noor nodded — she had heard this before.
"Which nasal drops are you using?" she asked.
"Xylometazoline," the man replied.
"They work instantly, but the effect doesn’t last as long anymore." the man replied.
She gave a knowing smile. "You’re probably caught in a cycle we call "rebound congestion"."
She explained that xylometazoline is a nasal decongestant that works by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal lining.
This reduces swelling and opens the airways quickly.
However, if used for longer than five to seven days, the blood vessels can become "dependent" on the medication.
Once the effect wears off, the vessels dilate even more than before — and the nose becomes congested again.
"What should I do now?" the man asked with a sigh.
"It will take some patience,"
Dr. Noor said, "but you need to taper off. Start by reducing how often you use it, or use it in only one nostril at a time.
In the meantime, use a saline nasal spray to help clear your nose and support the healing of the mucosa."
She handed him a step-down schedule and added: "Some people use these sprays for years without realizing they’re making things worse. I'm glad you came in!"
A few weeks later, the man returned to her clinic — breathing freely, smiling, and no longer carrying a bottle in his pocket.
Medical Note
Nasal drops containing xylometazoline or oxymetazoline are effective for short-term relief of nasal congestion, such as during a cold or sinusitis.
However, they should not be used for more than 5–7 consecutive days due to the risk of rebound congestion.
For longer-term use, saline (NaCl 0.9%) sprays or rinses** are a safe and effective alternative.
Disclaimer: NOTto Use Nasal Decongestant Drops.
You should not use nasal decongestant drops if you:
- Have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), unless advised by a doctor.
- Are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain antidepressants.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless approved by a healthcare provider.
- Are using the drops for more than 5–7 days, as this may worsen symptoms.
- Have had nasal surgery recently or have chronic nasal conditions, such as atrophic rhinitis.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or continuing nasal medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
