🧑‍⚕️Why Are Decongestants No Longer Recommended by Doctors?

Who knew I’d end up in the emergency room, wondering if I’d had a stroke—or worse?

For the past eight months, starting last May, I relied on a nasal spray to survive those frustrating moments when my nasal passages decided to take a break from their usual functioning. The panic that washes over me when I can’t breathe through my nose is overwhelming, making it hard to focus on anything else. The nasal spray quickly became my trusted companion, offering immediate relief and the ability to breathe again.

While I didn’t use it continuously every day, whenever congestion struck, I reached for it—every single time. Whether it was allergies, a cold, or just a random sinus revolt, knowing I had a reliable solution was a huge comfort.

When Relief Becomes Harm

During the last few months, as cold season hit, I started ignoring the recommended doses. I increased usage, thinking more was better. Every day got worse. Nosebleeds started. The time between needing the spray got shorter. My body was sending warning signals I couldn’t ignore.

Then came the scary stuff: my heart rate would suddenly spike for no reason. I’d feel dizzy, start sweating, and struggle to get my heart rate back down below 100—even while sitting. After a few episodes of palpitations, I finally made the doctor’s appointment.

When I explained the situation—heart palpitations and my “addiction” to nasal spray—he immediately connected the dots. I already knew what was coming. Overusing the spray had been doing more harm than good.

The doctor ordered a heart monitor, but his final words were clear:

“No more decongestants of any kind.”

Breathing Again

A week later, after days without spraying my nose, I can breathe freely. I feel better, calmer, and more in control. The relief is more than physical—it’s mental, too.

Now that my nasty nasal spray addiction is behind me, I’m taking a closer look at other habits or “quick fixes” in my life that may be causing more harm than good.

It’s a process—but one step at a time, I’m reclaiming my health.

Update: I am no longer dependent on decongestants and feel fantastic.