Nasal sprays could cause irreversible airway damage, health chiefs warn

Health chiefs warn long-term use of common over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays can cause lasting harm to the airways; ITV/Ipsos research found many users exceed the seven-day recommended limit.

Health officials have raised concerns about growing dependence on over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays and say extended use can cause lasting harm to the airways. The sprays are widely available at high-street chemists and are commonly used for short-term relief of a blocked nose. Research reported by ITV and Ipsos found many users exceed the seven-day period recommended for these products, and a large share of people are unaware of the risks. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has called for clearer warnings on packaging and more awareness of the seven-day limit. Known details: - ITV/Ipsos research suggests more than a fifth of adults who have used nasal decongestant sprays did so for longer than seven days, an estimate reported as roughly 5.5 million people in the UK. - Nearly 60% of survey respondents were reported as unaware of the risks associated with long-term use. - The Royal Pharmaceutical Society says using sprays for longer than a week can irritate nasal blood vessels, cause swelling and lead to rebound congestion; the condition is medically known as rhinitis medicamentosa. - Some patients with a long history of the condition have required surgery to address persistent swelling and related problems, according to the report. - The RPS is calling for clearer, hard-to-miss warnings on packaging, and some affected people have suggested restricting supply to prescription-only; no regulatory decision or timetable has been announced. Summary: Officials say extended use of common nasal decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion and lasting airway harm, and research finds many users exceed recommended limits. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society seeks clearer packaging warnings and greater public awareness, and some campaigners want prescription-only access. Undetermined at this time.