nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than three days. this is because they work by shrinking the mucous membranes in the nose in order to open the airways. when it wears off the mucous membranes swell up again making it hard to breathe without using the spray again. over time this can cause someone to rely on the sprays in order to breathe properly through their nose. nasal spray decongestants are safe to use if used as directed and are quite effective at relieving congestion without systemic side effects but it is important to limit their use to no more than three days.
can you really become addicted to those spray mist inhalants for a stuffy nose? is there any danger in using them?