Khaberni - During the cold season, German pharmacist Alexander Schmitz warns that long-term use of decongestant nasal sprays leads to addiction, noting that they contain active substances like "xylometazoline" and "oxymetazoline," which help breathe well when suffering from a cold.
He explained that the nasal mucous membrane quickly adapts to the decongestant active substances, causing constriction of the blood vessels in it. At some point, one might not be able to breathe at all without the spray.
The German pharmacist added that over time, the decongestant nasal spray causes the nasal mucous membrane to dry out, not only increasing the risk of bleeding but also making it more susceptible to infections; pathogens can then easily penetrate the mucous membrane.
To avoid the risk of addiction to the nasal spray, Schmitz recommends not using the spray for more than 4 to 5 days, switching to a sea water-based spray, which has a moisturizing effect and does not involve the risk of addiction; as it does not contain active substances.
