Colds? Clogged nose? A nasal inhaler will do the trick, just don’t overuse it
Going from a hot and sweaty commute to the cold office—not to mention, the erratic rain—can spell trouble for the everyday worker. And when getting sick isn’t an option for many, nasal inhalers such as Vicks and Yadom have gained popularity as effective and economical remedies for congestion. But while its cooling relief may seem addicting and harmless at the same time, its overuse can easily cause more harm than good.
Unlike medicated nasal sprays that relieve congestion by reducing inflammation or thinning mucus buildup, these white-cased inhalers provide more perceived than genuine relief.
Often containing ingredients such as menthol, camphor, borneol, or eucalyptus, these products produce a cooling effect and instead simulate a cleared-up nasal cavity rather than addressing congestion itself.
Menthol, a major component of these inhalers, merely provides the subjective sensation of improved airflow and, in excessive amounts, can cause vertigo, dizziness, and further congestion.
Camphor can be safely inhaled in small amounts but is fatally toxic when consumed and causes irritation when applied to the skin. On the other hand, borneol, found in essential oils, has anti-inflammatory properties, but in high doses can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, or skin. And eucalyptus can help alleviate several respiratory conditions but may worsen asthma in those allergic to it.
Psychologically, overusing nasal inhalers can cause addiction and an unhealthy reliance on them.
Instead, it is generally recommended to use medicated nasal sprays that will physically reduce prevailing decongestion. However, do take note that excessive use can cause adverse effects far worse than nasal inhalers, particularly rebound congestion, which manifests after using sprays far longer than the prescribed amount.
But rather than relying on chemical/medical solutions for nighttime relief, there are several easy-to-do hacks for better breathing:
- Drink lots of warm water. Cold drinks thicken mucus and worsen nasal congestion.
- Use a saline nasal spray. These are saltwater solutions that are drug-free and don’t cause rebound congestion.
- Inhale steam to thin out mucus. Do it by either taking a hot shower or placing your face atop a bowl of hot water.
- Use nasal strips to open up the nasal cavity.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air thickens mucus.
- Place a warm towel on your face several times a day.
