Are your daily nasal decongestant sprays safe? Find out what experts say

Nasal and decongestant sprays are a go-to remedy for relieving a blocked nose.

However, health chiefs have warned that the sprays can cause irreversible damage to the airways.

Concerning new research has revealed that nearly 60 per cent of pharmacists believe patients are unaware that these sprays shouldn't be used long-term, putting them at serious risk of rebound-congestion.

Experts at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) say that using them for longer than a particular time frame can irritate the sensitive blood vessels in the nose, causing swelling.

This makes congestion worse, resulting in a vicious cycle that leaves patients dependent on the medication to help them breathe.

Medically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, it can affect anyone who overuses nasal sprays, triggering irritation, runny nose, sneezing and congestion.

Some patients who have a history of the condition are even forced to have surgery to address damage caused by chronic swelling, which can lead to breathing problems.

Research conducted by ITV and Ipsos found more than a fifth of adults who have used the sprays have done so for longer than a week - meaning around 5.5million people in the UK have risked becoming addicted.

Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at the RPS, said: “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.”

The expert continued, “We’d like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can’t miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit.”

She added: “The response needs to be proportionate to the risk, and at the moment, the immediate, important step to take is to clarify the message and the health advice with a waning on the front of the packing that this product should not be used beyond the seven-day limit.”

PAGB, the consumer healthcare association representing the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines in the UK, responded to the concern and clarified:

“As an over-the-counter medicine, nasal decongestants are indicated for short-term relief of symptoms, and the products state on the packaging and patient information leaflet that they should not be used continuously for more than seven days. The patient information leaflet, which accompanies all nasal decongestant sprays, outlines the risks of taking the medication for longer than its indicated use.”