- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T. Li, M.D.
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James T. Li, M.D.
James T. Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. Li is chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine and a board-certified asthma and allergy specialist. He hopes his expertise and the information on the site educates health care consumers in an area of rapid change both in medications and diagnoses.
"There are a lot of misperceptions about allergy and asthma," says Dr. Li, a New York City native who has been with Mayo since 1985 and works with a group of subspecialists in allergy, asthma and immunology. "I believe it's important to provide truthful, accurate information about allergy and asthma to the public. The more people know, the better they can take care of these conditions."
Dr. Li is a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology honored him with the Distinguished Service Award and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology with its Special Recognition Award.
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Nasal spray addiction: Is it real?
Lifestyle and home remedies (2)
- Neti pot: Can it clear your nose?
- Neti pot solution: Can I make my own?
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Question
Nasal spray addiction: Is it real?
I use Afrin for nasal congestion associated with allergies. Should I be concerned about nasal spray addiction?
Answer
from James T. Li, M.D.
No. You cannot become addicted to a nasal spray. Addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't contain any habit-forming ingredients, and they don't cause the compulsive cravings that mark an addiction. However, it is possible to develop a tolerance to nasal sprays.
Nasal congestion occurs when blood vessels in the lining of your nose (nasal membranes) expand (dilate), such as due to a cold or allergies. Decongestant nasal sprays narrow (constrict) these blood vessels, reducing congestion and clearing your nasal passages.
After a few days of using a decongestant nasal spray, your nasal membranes may become tolerant — or less responsive — to the effects of the medication. As a result, you may need to use more and more of the medication to control congestion or your congestion may worsen if you stop using the medication (rebound congestion). Some people mistake this as nasal spray addiction. But it really isn't.
If you develop a tolerance to decongestant nasal sprays, it isn't permanent. Stop using the nasal spray for several weeks to reverse your tolerance. In the meantime, talk to your doctor about other methods for reducing nasal congestion, such as oral decongestants, saline nasal sprays or steroid nasal sprays. These medications do not cause rebound congestion.
Doctors recommend that you use a decongestant nasal spray for no more than three to four days in a row to prevent rebound congestion.
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