Nasal spray use led to a 23-year health battle, a patient reports

Charlotte Johnstone, 30, told Good Morning Britain she developed long-standing dependence on decongestant nasal sprays after first using them as a child, and a pharmacist on the show explained that overuse can produce rebound congestion and a cycle of increased use.

A guest on Good Morning Britain described a long-running struggle after starting decongestant nasal spray use as a child. She said the sprays provided immediate relief but that she became reliant on them over many years. A studio pharmacist explained how repeated use can cause the nasal passages to overcompensate, producing more congestion. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society and presenters noted that many users exceed the recommended seven-day limit and have called for clearer packaging information. Key points: - Charlotte Johnstone, 30, told the programme she first used decongestant nasal spray aged about seven or eight and now uses it frequently, reporting a 23-year history of dependence. - She described feeling blocked when she does not use the spray and said she sometimes seeks out bottles late at night to obtain more. - Pharmacist Sanjeev Panesar explained that decongestant sprays initially constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, but that the body can adapt and create rebound inflammation, prompting more use. - The presenters said one in five users exceed the seven-day usage recommendation, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has called for clearer instructions on packaging. Summary: The story highlights a reported case of long-term dependence associated with repeated decongestant nasal spray use and a clinical explanation for rebound congestion was provided. Discussion on the programme included calls for clearer product labeling. Undetermined at this time.