Nasal decongestants- why should you not use them for more than a week?

[olivo]

I know they can cause rebound congestion, but do you know if there is any damage they can do? I have been heavily reliant on them on and off for years. I am worried I may have done myself some damage.

It can knacker your nose lining.

. How?

I think it thins it but you need to use bucketloads of it!

Ah, ok. I probably do use bucket loads of it

I have recently felt it is increasing my heat trays but not sure if I'm making that up

Heat trays?. Heart rate, I meant!

No - I think it just makes you get more/worse runny noses (rhinitus?).

Heat trays [snigger]

That makes sense, thanks. I do wean myself off it every so often but I know I overuse.