Effective, non habit forming non prescription nasal spray??

[J-hop]

Weird question but are there any decent non-prescription nasal sprays out there that won't cause a dependency on them? I've found all the really good decongestants cause me to depend on them after a few days of use. I'm trying to find something I can use fairly often and I find saline sprays and the Neti pot aren't cutting it. Any recommendations or am I pretty much restricted to getting a steroidal prescription spray?

[revelations]

What are the humidity levels like in your dwelling? If less that 35% then expect this to the the case.

[J-hop]

Not a humidity problem but good idea. I have narrow nostrils and a slightly deviated septum. Not enough to warrant surgery though apparently.

[ExtraSlow]

All the true "decongestant" sprays I've ever heard of ARE habit forming. If you doctor won't do surgery, you need steroids. Omnaris (and several others) are available via prescription. Most family docs won't prescribe them, but an ENT should have no issues. Or go see an allergy/asthma doc, they deal with the same stuff.

Also, start the nasal rinsing, every day, twice a day, five times if you have to. I have a prescription for pulmicort (a steroid) to put in my rinse water, and while the relief isn't as dramatic as a decongestant spray, it's made a meaningful improvement in my breathing, and it's something I can take every day for the rest of my life without issues.

What kind of specialist told you that you didn't need surgery? you are allowed to get another opinion. Although the recovery from the deviated septum surgery isn't very fun.

[J-hop]

ENT first suggested I get surgery for the septum and to shrink the rhinaris (?? Can't remember what they are called). But later decided they didn't think the benefit would be high enough to warrant it.

I did get a mometasone spray to try but wasn't intended to be a long term solution I guess and relief was minimal if any so I didn't pursue renewing the prescription. I might have to go back and push a bit more to get other options. Was hoping there was a non-prescription option that worked but I guess nothing beats a good old steroid based spray.

When I use a strong decongestant it's phenomenal, breathing is so clear, but I find after about a week I need it every couple of hours to keep them open and getting off of it is a huge pain.

[revelations]

Any luck with nasal strips ? Could you alternate between the decongestant and the NS ?

[J-hop]

Originally posted by revelations
Any luck with nasal strips ? Could you alternate between the decongestant and the NS ?

Yea! Nasal strips help fairly well. Started to get expensive for name brand nasal strips though, I recently watched a YouTube on how to make DIY nasal strips haha.

[revelations]

I was in the same boat as you. I went to see the ENT and they also said surgery was optional, but a REAL big pain, where as management would likely help.

I then bumped up the humidity in my condo from, 20% to 40%, started using NeilMed squeeze bottles (not the pot) and the issues in the winter seemed to go away.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by revelations
I was in the same boat as you. I went to see the ENT and they also said surgery was optional, but a REAL big pain, where as management would likely help.

I then bumped up the humidity in my condo from, 20% to 40%, started using NeilMed squeeze bottles (not the pot) and the issues in the winter seemed to go away.

Yeah, the recovery from septoplasty is not any fun.
I prefer the squeeze bottle too. I make my own buffered salt solution mix too, which is a lot cheaper than the neilmed stuff. I do minimum of twice a day year round, one of which has the steroid in it. Then if I have any hint of allergies, a cold or anything, I do more. If I'm sick I can be rinsing up to six times per day, but it helps so much I don't mind.