Nose-Drop Habit Turned Into Addiction
Question: The letter about the woman who became a “nose drop junkie” caught my attention because I too had this problem. Years ago, on assignment in Australia, I was scuba diving. When I caught a cold, I used Afrin to keep diving, and a year and a half later I was still using this nasal spray. Not being able to breathe is horrible. I kept thinking I’d deal with it tomorrow; today I want to breathe.
I later did a story on cocaine treatment, and the director of the clinic told me about nose spray addiction. When nasal decongestants are used, the small blood vessels in the nose constrict. As the effect wears off, the nasal tissues become even more congested than before. The cure was simple: I took an oral decongestant (Dristan) for two weeks. During that time, breathing wasn’t perfect, but it finally returned to normal. I will never use nose spray again, now that I know it can be so addictive.
--H.H.
Summerland
Answer: People don’t get high from nose drops, but many have difficulty kicking the habit. Rebound congestion is uncomfortable and can occur after three days of use. Oral decongestants may help, but some people need stronger medicine. Prescription steroids (pills or sprays) can relieve stuffiness while a person is gradually weaned from over-the-counter nasal sprays.
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Q: A couple wrote to you that they were taking Certo in grape juice to relieve arthritis pain. Did they say how long to keep taking it? My mother-in-law is trying it and says it is better than gin-soaked raisins so far. Please send anything you have on these home remedies.
--J.F.
Rancho Cucamonga
A: You aren’t the only one who wanted more information on home remedies for aches and pains. M.L. in Santa Monica asked about golden raisins soaked in gin: “Since the gin evaporates, is there a problem for someone who shouldn’t drink alcohol?” There’s hardly any science involved in home remedies, but we did have the gin-soaked raisins analyzed. After evaporation, nine raisins contain about one drop of alcohol. The recipe: Put golden raisins in a shallow bowl and barely cover with gin. Allow the gin to evaporate; then eat nine raisins daily. Certo is a canning aid used to thicken homemade jams and jellies. The remedy calls for a tablespoon of Certo in 8 ounces of grape juice each day. There are no rules on length of use. We are sending you our guide to home remedies, which gives far more detail on these and other nondrug treatments for aches and pains. Anyone who would like a copy may send $2 with a long (No. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. R-88, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
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Q: I’m 53 and haven’t had a period for a year. I have no problems other than hot sweats. I don’t want drugs. I recently started taking 400 IUs of vitamin E each day and, much to my amazement, it really works. Are there any problems or other benefits I should know about?
--P.H.
Hermosa Beach
A: Many women tell us that vitamin E can be helpful for hot flashes. Vitamin E may also provide some protection against heart disease. At this dose, vitamin E does not seem to have side effects. Some doctors also recommend soy, ginseng or black cohosh to relieve menopausal symptoms.
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* In this special People’s Pharmacy column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers of the Los Angeles Times only. This special Times column will run the third Monday of every month. Send questions to the Graedons at People’s Pharmacy, c/o King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017, or e-mail them via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com. Please include your address, which will not be published, and identify yourself as a reader of The Times.
