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Need help in allergy related issues
I have been using Otrivin Advance for the past 4–5 years. Over time, I have become dependent on it to relieve nasal congestion in both nostrils. Without using it, I find it difficult to breathe comfortably through my nose.
How can I safely stop using this medicine and overcome this dependency? Please suggest the most effective treatment options and the type of specialist I should consult.
Answers (3)
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Hi
Greetings
Otrivin overuse can cause dependency and reverse blocking of the nose overtime.
It should only be used under supervised treatment care.
Next Steps
Need to consult with an ENT surgeon for a Diagnostic nasal endoscopy.
Need to taper otrivin and start taking steam inhalation and steroid nasal spray.
Will need further evaluation as it has been a chronic issue over the years.
Answered
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Using a decongestant spray like Otrivin for years often causes rebound congestion. This is called rhinitis medicamentosa, where your nose depends on the spray to stay open and swells up worse without it. It's very treatable, but stopping suddenly usually makes the congestion worse for a while.
Next Steps
The usual approach is a gradual taper. Stop one nostril first while switching to a saline nasal rinse and a steroid nasal spray to calm your nose down, over several weeks. An ENT specialist can set up this tapering plan and check if allergies are contributing too.
Health Tips
Don't stop and restart the spray again and again, since that cycle keeps the dependency going. Please consult an ENT specialist to guide the taper.
Answered
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