Is a nasal inhaler (example: Vicks Vapor Inhaler) better to use for a stuffed up nose than a nasal spray?

Question

I am stuffed up quite often and have heard than frequent use of a nasal spray is not a good idea. What other options might I try?

Answer 1

Nasal sprays can become a habit and they are tough on your mucous membrane. When I came to Florida, I was using them so often that I eventually blew a hole in my septum. Vicks inhalers are good but don't usually unclog your stuffed nose very well. Believe it or not, sniffing warm salt water is an old remedy that does provide relief. I eventually discovered that my real problem was my nose kept drying out. I found an over the counter salve to apply with a q-tip and it works wonders, Try that and then if no relief, take a trip to your doctor.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is a nasal inhaler (example: Vicks Vapor Inhaler) better to use for a stuffed up nose than a nasal spray?
I am stuffed up quite often and have heard than frequent use of a nasal spray is not a good idea. What other options might I try?

Answer 3

Vicks Vapor Inhaler

Answer 4

Vicks Inhaler

Answer 5

nasal inhaler vicks vapor inhaler stuffed nose nasal spray

Answer 6

Using a decongestant is a better option. Nasal inhalers are very quick, temporary relief, but you become "addicted" to them. That could be why you are always congested.

Have you found out why you're stuffed up? Is it allergies? Sinus infection? I have allergies, and if I don't keep on top of them with allergy medicine, I get a sinus infection, which is horrible. Either way, you should find out the cause of your stuffiness. But the nasal inhalers and nose sprays are not a great idea for long term relief. I got addicted to one of them, and it took even longer to get rid of my stuffy nose. Your nose stops clearing itself, and relies on the inhaler/spray to do the job. If you stop using the stuff, you get stuffed up and start the vicious cycle all over again.

Answer 7

I was dismayed when I learned that Vicks USA had added Levomethamphetamine to their product. This is an active substance that can be overused with detrimental effects. Decongestant pills usually contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, both of which are stimulants - basically speed. I have tried pseudoephedrine pills and I find they cause insomnia and anxiety. I have not even tried phenylephrine pills. Decongestant pills tend to increase heart rate and blood pressure, and can cause chest pain (angina) in some people. A closely related decongestant, phenylpropanolamine (PPA), was withdrawn from the US market because it caused stroke. So I decided to give the Indian version of Vicks Inhaler a try, according to the Vicks India website, it contains Wintergreen, Pudinah Ke Phool (Mentha arvensis) and Karpoor (Camphor), - all natural ingredients, which means you can use it as needed. It has almost the exact same effect and aroma that we all associate with the Vicks we all know and love here in the USA. If you never tried this product, I'll just say it's my go-to when sick. Clears sinuses and portable with no addicting substances. Just be known this product does ship from India.These are great to carry with you while traveling! I leave one at work and several at home for the whole family. I ordered them from an online herbal store in India (AyurvedaBay.com), they offer free worldwide shipping and I receive my orders pretty quickly from all the way from India. Here is the direct link to the product page if anyone is interested - https://www.ayurvedabay.com/vicks-inhaler.html

Answer 8

Actually, when I am "stuffed up", I use a "salt water spray".

Salt water, will dry up your sinuses, (the part that swells), and then you wont have the symptoms.

And, since I have asthma, and my asthma are triggered by enviromental influences (such as perfumes and certain smells), I use this Astelin!

Its the greatest thing I have found, that will block my nasal passages from receieving the "smell" on the receptors, thus, I can function normally in a room full of women and thier offending perfumes that they seem to enjoy taking a bath in!!

But, like everything, you should always consult a Doctor for "real advice" before you take any advice from some "yahoo" on yahoo answers and questions :)

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 9

I knew a guy who got addicted to those nasal inhaler/sprays.
Have you ever tried a Breathe Right nasal strip?
It is worn on the nose nasal strip, it is drug-free, non-prescription devices that work mechanically -- from the outside -- to gently open nasal passages and make breathing easier.
It's a kind of sticker you place across your nose for 24hours or so. Looks kinda funny, but I used one two years ago and my nose has never been stuffed up since.
I highly recommend it.

http://www.auravita.com/products/AURA/cehe10687.asp

Answer 10

I love Vicks! nasal spray is okay when it's only for 2-3days but after that you can get a rebound affect.