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Nose sprays are used by millions each year as easy over the counter solutions to the congestion symptoms caused bycolds, flu and other illnesses. However, few realisethat using this common medication incorrectlycould lead to a dependency or addiction to the medication.

People shouldn’t be using certain nose sprays for more than seven days at a time. The NHSwarns: “using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse. Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.”

This worsening symptom is known as rebound congestion. Because it causes the same symptoms nose sprays are meant to treat, many people resort to using the nose spray even longer and further worsening their congestion.

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Over time, this can trigger a cycle of dependency as people believe they need to continue using the nose spray in order to breathe through the congestion. Only nose sprays that contain xylometzoline and oxymetazoline have a risk of rebound congestion.

Other nose sprays containing steroids or salt water typically don’t and may be safer for prolonged use. Data from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society showed nearly 60% of pharmacists believe patients aren’t aware of these risks.

According to Royal Pharmaceutical Society, some signs of overusing nose spray include:

• Needing to use the spray more often
• Worsening congestion when you stop using it
• Needing to buy multiple bottles
• Exceeding the recommended dose

The NHS recommends only using decongestant sprays between one and four times a day for a week at most. It also urged people to check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for specific advice on dosages.

Professor Amira Guirguis, RPS Chief Scientist, said: “Nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for short-term relief but using them for longer than seven days can make your congestion significantly worse. Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realising they could be prolonging their symptoms.

“We’d like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can’t miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit. If your congestion lasts more than a week, speak to your pharmacist. There are safe and effective alternative options to help you manage your symptoms.”