<s>[INST] Hello, I am worried that my nasal stuffiness is due to over use of nasal spray decongestants. However it is true that when i blow my nose it is quite full of (excuse the language) snot! lol  .....  Pill decongestants arent working at all.  How do I know if my stuffed nose is due t overuse of nasal spray and not simply a cold or allergy. Im on my 4th or 5th day of reduced use of spray. [/INST] Hi and thanks for the query, I suggest other medical conditions should be excluded before thinking of that alternative, which off course is relative very rare as a cause of nasal stuffiness. Considering a chronic allergic rhinitis is very important. Treatment might require systemic steroids even up to three months, associated with steroid containing nasal sprays to be taken even for over a year depending on the response. Nasal polypoid could cause similar necessitating of nasal sprays, and an appropriate spray might be indicated. Certain sprays like local anti histamines give instantaneous relief, but the effects are short lasting, and in a very short run become ineffective in some individuals. Remember that poorly treated allergic or chronic rhinitis could predispose to conditions such as sinusitis. I suggest you book an appointment with an ENT specialist for a proper evaluation and management. Thanks and best regards, Luchuo, MD. </s>