- Male
- 48 Years
- 20/02/2025
I'm really struggling with my nasal spray habit. I've been using Otrivin for around 45 years now and every time I try to stop, my nose just gets so stuffy that I end up using it again. It's affecting my life a lot, and I can't seem to shake it off. Plus, there's this post-nasal drip that bothers me. What can I do to finally break free from this cycle? Any advice would be really appreciated.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
prolonged use of original cause rebound congestion
Dr. Dr Khaleel Suggests...
Consult a Ent Specialist
Answered 04/07/2025
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Understanding Nasal Spray Dependence
- Prolonged use of Otrivin (oxymetazoline) can lead to rebound congestion and dependence.
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Gradual Reduction Strategy
- Gradually taper off the nasal spray by reducing frequency and dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
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Alternative Treatments and Supportive Measures
- Use saline nasal sprays or rinses to keep nasal passages moist.
- Consider steroid nasal sprays under medical supervision to reduce inflammation.
- Implement lifestyle changes like humidifying air and avoiding irritants.
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Managing Post-Nasal Drip
- Use saline rinses and stay hydrated to alleviate symptoms.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Consulting Healthcare Professionals
- See an ENT specialist or general physician for personalized treatment.
- Discuss potential need for prescription medications or other interventions.
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Emotional and Psychological Support
- Acknowledge the challenge and encourage patience and persistence in breaking the cycle.
Recommended next steps
Consult a Ent Specialist or Consult a General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
Answered 10/09/2025
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View allI've been having this recurring issue with my left ear. About a month ago, I saw an ENT and had some wax removed. They also put me on meds like Protal SR 40 mg, Nukast 10 mg, and a nasal spray called Floresp for a month because they said there was a bit of a tilt in my nose bone and some tonsil signs in my throat. The strange thing is, during that month, my usual migraines completely stopped. But now that I'm off the meds, my ear feels heavy again, my nose is a bit irritated, and I've had a headache for three days straight. Do you think there's a connection between my ear and my headaches, or could it be something else? How do I get back to feeling normal?
consult ent specalist
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
my nose feels bent and I can even feel the bone is slightly crooked too is there any way to straighten it without surgery maybe with medicines or would I need an operation and are there any risks or side effects I should know about
If your nose feels bent or the bone seems crooked, it could be a deviated septum or a broken nose, and straightening it without surgery is unlikely. If it's a deviated septum, surgery (septoplasty) may be needed, and if it's a broken nose, it requires immediate medical attention, including the possibility of surgical repair.
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My right nose is always blocked due to DNS and I catch coughs and colds easily. I do anulom vilom pranayama and eat healthy, avoiding cold foods. Would anushadbindu oil help improve my DNS issue? What's better between the two options? Is there any non-surgical way to recover from DNS?
septoplasty for DNS is advised to the patient if conservative treatment is ineffective.
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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.





