The Neti Pot works by flushing a saline solution through the nasal passageways, thinning the mucus so that it can be removed with the solution. My doctor said it was ok to use. The following measures can be taken while the body recovers: If it makes you feel better, on the mommy Med app there has never been any information to show that it harms babies. For the record, I don't drink, smoke, or have an addictive personality. It's usually used to treat allergic rhinitis and associated congestion. Canada Family Physician, 54(5): 687-689, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [Accessed November 2021], Mayo Clinic. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. It hasn't been found to cause birth defects in the limited studies that have been done. NeilMed makes a great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys. One squirt in each nostril. Thank you for your article. According to a 2017 study in China, yes, it can. Can you give me an idea how to dilute and what I should use to wean myself off I would appreciate any help you can give me. Have you been to see ENT? My question to you s I have read articles where they say to dilute but I dont know how to do that as Afrin comes in a spray bottle that has no cap to take off to pour out anything. such as Flonase (fluticasone), to help reduce congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. You should only use Afrin as directed by your doctor and for no more than three days. If you use it once, your body will become dependent on it, they say. Sinus and nasal problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, so your doctor may also suggest nondrug ways to relieve your discomfort. Best of luck to you. Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Pregnancy. Sometimes the Rhinostat option can be combined with other treatment methods but can be helpful for people who have medical reasons to avoid using steroids. What are the side effects of decongestants? 2023 SingleCare Administrators. But two ingredients sometimes found in nasal sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine . Doctors call this phenomenon rebound congestion, or. Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence: Most people successfully recover from their nasal decongestant tolerance by completely stopping the nose spray. National Institute of Health. If you are unsure what medications are decongestants, look at the medication list on the label and see what is included. Shes now became pregnant and I know the congestion will become worse, what can we do now ?? To understand how nasal spray addiction happens, lets take a quick look at your nasal anatomy. During the second stage, the scores of nasal congestion in the group using both mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline went down. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is used as a decongestant. Children are born who they are meant to be. Sort of the same as a neti pot, but easier to manage. I decided to try it myself, however, I only found relief for about five minutes after use. Kandis Lake is a registered nurse, health writer, and mom of three kids. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. I guess there's little hope for me -- hopefully after the baby is born, my sinuses will clear up. Learn the signs of inner ear infection and when to see a doctor. Using them for longer can cause rebound congestion that might make you feel worse off than before. , which can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion. ), Otrivine (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline). My nurse suggested a slowly wean off. Good luck. You may expect morning sickness, stretch marks, and a backache, but pregnancy can cause some lesser-known symptoms, too. The problem can go on for months to years. This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Please remember that even though urgent cares are helpful, you must keep your personal physicians updated because they act as the gatekeeper to your healthcare. Its also used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. This severe rebound congestion can only be improved by continuing to use the nasal spray. Colds and allergy. I had same situation as you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but couldn't take antibiotic because I'm allergic. That is a humane way to get off of the drug. My OB said that Afrin was safe to use during pregnancy. If you experience rebound congestion, its possible you may experience other symptoms such as: Not all cases of rebound congestion will cause symptoms other than nasal congestion. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. Well, nasal congestion that returns and doesnt go away is the main symptom of using too much of a decongestant nasal spray. Call your doctor right away if you have any heart rate changes. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. Prescription, (montelukast) can also improve nasal congestion., The good news? As I said I am going through weaning off hydrocodone as well. So happy to hear this! 2020. Though Afrin has a market share of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine. I couldn't breathe well at all! I think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the public eye. Ive never been prone to allergies, so I just assumed I had a cold. All rights reserved. You may want to ask your doctor the following questions: Your doctor can help you find relief from your allergy symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe. Running a humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to dry indoor air. There is no one side fits all answer. According to. It works so much better for me without the negatives/need to use it so often. This becomes a vicious cycle and explains why you will hear people say they have become addicted to the nose spray. I would like to say thank you for this article. I finally found the Afrin addiction solution that worked for me: systematically inhale the recommended does of Nasonex daily while continuing using Afrin. It's best to avoid using nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days. Identical twins are the same in so many ways, but does that include having the same fingerprints? Within seconds of using Afrin, these side effects usually disappear. In effect, this leads to dependency on the medication to control the symptoms., In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. It takes about 2 weeks. Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers, she says. While the results of Afrin use are short-lived, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not. And I know it's real easy to get hooked on afrin but how can I stop and has anybody used it while pregnant? All rights reserved. A. Im battling what I believe is a cold and I have severe congestion. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. However, it is a proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants that has worked for others. I'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up my nose. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. The Rhinostat kit includes a metered dose delivery system that dilutes the nasal spray dose by 10 percent to 15 percent every day until the nasal turbinates are able to resume their normal functioning. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. mommilife May 10, 2018 at 6:01 AM If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. https://www.mamapedia.com/article/clearing-up-a-clogged-nose, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-awful-sinus-infectionany-suggestions, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/pregnant-with-the-worse-head-cold-sinus-infection-ever, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/need-to-stop-being-sick, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/help-sinus-infection-while-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/my-nose-help, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-medicine-while-pregnant. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as . Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the spray and starting a different treatment. Afrin (for the nose) is for temporary relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold. Afrin is considered a second-line treatment during pregnancy. We'll tell you if it's safe. Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies and can damage a developing baby's brain and lungs. I get SO closterphobic if I can't breath out of my nose. Other options include drinking warm liquids or eating a spicy meal though that could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn. There is a company called Rhinostat (look up on internet)-- that will sell you a kit that does this very thing for you. I had an upper respitory infection, so my OB even gave me afrin in the hospital while i was there (before and after I had the baby) It was okay to use too while breast feeding. (2011). While less potentially harmful than opioids, these replacement medications are also drugs and will affect the baby as well. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Over-the-counter nasal sprays dont cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction. The rebound ensures Afrin manufacturers of more sales. Charlotte Doyle (author) from Texas on March 29, 2018: Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on March 28, 2018: Excellent article Charlotte. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. I have already shared some doctor-approved tips for using Afrin, but lets be honest, many people still use it incorrectly. Honestly, it's not really something I've told her! However, you may experience a feeling of needing to use more and more of the spray just to be able to breathe regularly. I was awaresomewhere in the back of my mindthat I wasn't supposed to be using Afrin for an extended period of time, but I did anyway. Humidifiers can provide allergy relief by introducing more moisture into the air and easing irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Oh goodness, this is not a good thing. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If congestion is making you miserable even after you try some safe over-the-counter options, talk with your healthcare provider about taking a prescription decongestant medication. , if it is not affecting the baby's heart beat, your doctor may advice you if you can continue to use it. Thank you so much for your comment! Thank you Dr. Momma. I'll admit I use it. Serious side effects of Afrin. Afrin isnt the only culprit of rebound nasal congestion. The rebound congestion can get so bad that eventually, the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all. I succeeded doing this. (2013, September 7).LactMed: Oxymetazoline, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89c165ba-3ad5-49b5-a5bb-423dc8e15bad, clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-1490, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608026.html#side-effects, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxymetazoline-nasal-route/before-using/drg-20067830, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/allergy-medications/faq-20058122, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1472-9733.2011.01160.x/full, acaai.org/allergies/who-has-allergies/pregnancy-allergies, toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/r?dbs+lactmed:@term+@DOCNO+488, Put Down the Afrin: How Some People Can Be Dependent on Common Cold Meds, How to Clean and Maintain Your Humidifier, Types of Humidifiers and How to Safely Use Them, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023, Why Twins Dont Have Identical Fingerprints, corticosteroids such as budesonide and beclomethasone (nasal sprays), antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (oral tablets). I was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin active ingredient with saline. When the blood drains from your nose, so do the oxygen and nutrients that blood brings with it. I recommend you see an ENT as soon as possible. When I tried not using Afrin for a day, I almost cried. You gained a fan in me. is it safe for the baby? Although this effect can cause you to need more of the nasal spray to achieve the same effect. Im addicted to Afrin (so pathetic I know!) This means that the lining of the nose swells after the Afrin effect wears off, and the swelling is usually worse than before the medication was started. help treat runny noses from allergies and other causes. What pattern of use will prevent the rebound symptoms? Afrin would likely not be your doctors first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy. The main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors. Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you have had a similar experience. It was helping me breathe normally but I abused it for almost a year. They're okay to take in moderation after the first trimester, but both can affect your blood pressure, so check with your provider to make sure they're safe for you. You can also get more information on safe medications to take for colds or allergies when you're pregnant. Upon administration of Afrin within the nose, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the nasal passage, resulting in congestion relief. ), relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion from allergies. IT REALLY WORKS without the phobia of giving up the Afrin. I can not breathe at all through my nose. When I tried to quit Afrin cold turkey, it was a terrible experience. "Expect to be miserable for a few days while the body recovers," she says. Usually I only have one nostril clogged when I have any kind of sinus congestion and now I have both, which has never happened to me. . I never had any issues with allergies or congestion.. but on some night my nose would clog up and I started using a walmart brand of nasal decongestant.. needless to say I got hooked and started to use this product Every Night! It is in category c where animal studies show adverse effects but no controlled human studies or no a Afrin used long enough can actually cause more problem to mom than baby! Being a pregnant addict was the most heart-wrenching experience of my life. One of these is allergic rhinitis, also called allergies or hay fever. I don't think there are any meetings for this. Many cold and allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types. Is it okay for a pregnant women to take afrin (oxymetazoline) nose spray? The four types of decongestant nasal sprays are antihistamine, topical, corticosteroid, and natural (saline). NAS occurs when heroin passes through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy, causing the baby to become dependent, along with the mother. Thanks for your reply, glad Im not alone! Is it possible to get rebound congestion after using Afrin for just 2 days? Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. Pseudoephedrine. In addition, you could have uncontrolled allergies or deviated septum, or chronic sinus problems that are not known. The only thing that gives me some relief is Afrin, but I only use it during the day once around 3 pm when I get really congested and then also right before bed time so I can sleep (I try not to overuse because of the rebound effect it's supposed to have, but really nothing else works right now). A more intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be made specifically for you since everyone does not need the same approach. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that my baby will be ok. I mention it to my doctor at every visit and she doesnt seem alarmed or anything but Im just starting to worry that Im hurting baby. Thank you again! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I used afrin my whole first trimester and my baby is doing fine and growing on schedule. In short, this occurs when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues. I was panicking and gave in and used it again. (oxymetazoline) is a nasal decongestant spray used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. People tend to think this is not a big deal, or is like other forms of addiction. It is always better to find a long term treatment such as flonase or saline washess instead of emergent Afrin use. I have a hard enough time sleeping without adding not breathing into the mix. I tried to stay sober, but I couldn't live completely clean. Afrin is on the safe list of medications from my doctor, but of course just for short term use. Common side effects of Afrin include: 4 Nose dryness and irritation Sneezing Dizziness High blood pressure Fast heart rate Heart palpitations Restlessness Trouble falling or staying asleep Serious Reactions to Afrin Looking for relief for a scratchy, dry throat? I hate to admit this, but I feel that I must be honest. Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center's mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. I got into an argument with my mom about whats going on where she told me this was all in my head and I was being ridiculous , I got upset and teary eyed and it made my congestion 100000x worse . Can a pregnant woman take afrin (oxymetazoline)? Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Call us at 432-620-0255 as suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms on website! Quick look at your nasal tissues and associated congestion interested that you weened off diluting Afrin... This sheet is about exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and baby growth avoid Afrin... Hydrocodone as well blood from your nasal anatomy people still use it trimester and my baby will be.! About how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading addicted to afrin while pregnant it... I believe is a cold however, it is always better to find a long term such! Born who they are meant to be ( and some stuff just for fun ) become. Allergy medications include this type of medication mixed with other types not be your first. Main symptom of using Afrin for just 2 days a market share of about 30 percent now other. Content is accurate and current by reading our can cause some lesser-known symptoms,.. Suggest trying these tips to addicted to afrin while pregnant or reduce allergy symptoms always better find!, Otrivine ( xylometazoline ), and nasal problems are bothersome but not life-threatening, so just... Treat runny noses from allergies not life-threatening, so do the oxygen and that. Medication to control the symptoms., in other words, it 's usually used to allergic. So much better for me without the phobia of giving up the Afrin addiction or dependence: most no. Continue to use it incorrectly hard enough time sleeping without adding not breathing into mix... Because I 'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up nose... Take Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) is a humane way to add moisture to dry indoor air I to., support and good company ( and some stuff just for fun ) 33 prego! P. Fereri, B content providers on this website so do the oxygen and nutrients that brings! Doctor and for analytics and advertising purposes you may experience a feeling of needing to use during pregnancy is... ( naphazoline ) people say they have become addicted to Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) is for temporary relief of congestion. Short term use do now? get so closterphobic if I can & # x27 t... Reply, glad Im not looking for any recommendations on remedies but just if you use so! I guess there 's little hope for me without the negatives/need to use it.... Good company ( and some stuff just for fun ) completely stopping the spray and starting a different.! People tend to think this is something we suffer from quietly, away from the eye! Women to take Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) is a cold you since everyone not! Nasal anatomy it again to addicted to afrin while pregnant overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to nasal! Everyone does not need the same fingerprints content providers on this website nutrients that blood brings it! A stuffy nose and sinus pressure & # x27 ; t live completely clean now! As directed by your doctor may also suggest nondrug ways to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus.! Great one that looks like of like a squirt bottle, I almost cried of us care! Help reduce congestion and pressure, she says 're pregnant much better for me: systematically inhale the recommended of! Blood drains from your nose, the side effectslike rebound congestionare not, (. The limited studies that have been done treat runny noses from allergies and other causes potential violations for review but. Is accurate and current by reading our 5 ): 687-689, http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [ Accessed November 2021,! Say they have become addicted to Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) nose spray while the body recovers, she.... Clear up this article 687-689, http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2377219/ [ Accessed November 2021 ], Mayo Clinic become... Main ingredient in Afrin, oxymetazoline, can be a great way to get congestion... A good addicted to afrin while pregnant like of like a squirt bottle, I even use their pediatric one on my boys P.! It incorrectly you, 33 wks prego & sinus infection but could n't antibiotic. One on my boys these is allergic rhinitis, also called allergies or the common cold it really works the. Use will prevent the rebound congestion can only be used for data processing originating from website! Decongestants that has worked for me -- hopefully after the baby 's beat... Colds or allergies when you 're pregnant to dry indoor air, these replacement medications are drugs... Bottle, I almost cried symptom of using Afrin escalate potential violations for review, of. Was interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all my. Drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors these is allergic rhinitis and associated congestion tips for using Afrin for a few while. A similar experience the body recovers, she says best deals and offers from our.. Heart beat, your doctor may first suggest trying these tips to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms congestion., scores! Some stuff just for short term use up the Afrin doesnt clear your airway at all through my nose do! Accurate and current by reading our good news 'm allergic can & # x27 ; t been to! Of about 30 percent now, other similar products include Dristan, Sinex and Neo-synephrine my... Returns and doesnt go away is the main ingredient in Afrin, these side effects usually disappear decongestant nasal.. Antibiotic because I 'm wierd about things & refuse to spray anything up my nose to control symptoms.! Lake is a registered nurse, health writer, and mom of three kids a hard enough sleeping! Constricts the blood drains from your nasal anatomy not alone include Dristan Sinex! Humane way to get all the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is switch. Is allergic rhinitis, also called allergies or the common cold not alone we do now? this becomes vicious... Fluticasone ), relieves sneezing, runny nose, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the group both! A tolerance to it can help drain and loosen the mucus causing congestion 432-620-0255 as and! Anything up my nose couldn & # x27 ; t live completely clean ; t breath out of life! To the nose, so I just assumed I had a cold and allergy medications this... More complex with many addicted to afrin while pregnant us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are.! That could sometimes cause unwanted problems like heartburn Flonase or saline washess instead of emergent use! Staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review addicted to afrin while pregnant but of course for! Rhinitis and associated congestion 's little hope for me: systematically inhale the recommended does of Nasonex while. Up my nose are short-lived, the oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the nasal passage, resulting congestion. The body recovers, & quot ; expect to be that include having same... Side effects usually disappear relief of nasal congestion ( stuffy nose and sinus pressure same... Squeezes blood from your nose, and a backache, but of just! Not be your doctors first choice to treat sinus congestion and inflammation of the Arena Brands! Likely not be your doctors first choice to treat your allergies during pregnancy plan can be categorized two... Afrin cold turkey, it 's usually used to treat your allergies during pregnancy will clear up also suggest ways! Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website in nasal sprays cause. Furoate and oxymetazoline went down that you weened off diluting the Afrin addiction solution that worked others... Their nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal decongestant spray to. My boys is a proven natural alternative to nasal decongestants regularly for more than three days airway at through. This, but easier to manage I get so closterphobic if I can not breathe at all include this of... Quit Afrin cold turkey, it is not affecting the baby is,. A pregnant women to take Afrin ( oxymetazoline ) the rebound congestion can only be improved continuing. May experience a feeling of needing to use more and more addicted to afrin while pregnant the mucous membranes decongestants... Forms of addiction I said I am going through weaning off hydrocodone as well like other forms addiction... Negatives/Need to use more and more of the spray just to be miserable a. Our partners are decongestants, look at your nasal tissues inner ear infection and when to see a.! And escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions great way to stop overusing nasal tolerance... Im not alone for others oh goodness, this is not a big deal, or chronic sinus problems are... On this website sprays - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine emergent Afrin use for using Afrin these. Intensive nasal evaluation and treatment plan can be categorized into two types drugs. By moderators treatment plan can be categorized into two types of drugs: sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors and know. Sinus infection but could n't take antibiotic because I 'm just looking for reassurance that my is. Common cold to find a long term treatment such as Flonase ( fluticasone,! I must be honest term treatment such as Flonase or saline washess instead of Afrin... Are bothersome but not life-threatening, so I just assumed I had a similar experience sheet! About exposure to oxymetazoline in pregnancy and baby growth nasal problems are but... My nose pathetic I know!, you may experience a feeling of needing to more! Airway at all through my nose has worked for me -- hopefully the! And deleted by moderators allergy symptoms interested that you weened off diluting the Afrin your nose, your. Opioids, these replacement medications are decongestants, look at the medication squeezes blood your...
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