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21 years
I was addicted to Otrivin and i quite i can take my breath from nose but not completely opened and that don't be cured after months so what should i do to be normal and take my breath easily ?
Nov 23, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Rhinitis medicamentosa (RM), also known as rebound rhinitis or chemical rhinitis, is a condition characterized by nasal congestion (nasal blockage/stuffiness) without rhinorrhea 9runny nose) or sneezing that is triggered by the use of topical vasoconstrictive medications (like Otrivin which contains oxymetazoline) for more than 4-6 days.
Topical decongestant use must be discouraged and discontinued as soon as possible.
The withdrawal process should be gradual as the adverse effects are quite bothersome.The first week is often the most difficult for weaning or withdrawal. Several studies the use of nasal corticosteroids as effective treatment and prevention method in cases of rhinitis medicamentosa; these are introduced while decongestants are getting weaned off. Oral steroids may be necessary. Nasal concentrated salt solutions can be also offered with nasal irrigation devices (such as Nasoclenase) to provide moisturizing and nonaddicting decongestant relief.
Nasal decongestants can be weaned gradually, allowing patients to use sprays at night in one nostril only and alternating the left and right nostril until congestion is decreased.
Pain relief should be provided to patients who get headache as a side effect of nasal decongestant withdrawal. are experiencing headache.
Systemic decongestants: these are especially useful in patients who began using vasoconstrictive nasal medications to help with allergic rhinitis. As the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis are relieved, the intranasal medication can be discontinued.
Oral corticosteroids: usually not necessary, but a short course of oral corticosteroids is the most effective way to break the cyclic use of topical vasoconstrictors. The oral corticosteroids are often used for 5-10 days, with nasal corticosteroids started at the same time and continued until the process is corrected.
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