Dangers of Inserting Vicks VapoRub in Your Nose When Congested

The Dangers of Putting Vicks VapoRub in Your Nose

Using aromatic menthol-infused salves like Vicks VapoRub offers comforting relief when youre congested and cant breathe. But is inserting Vicks directly into your nose safe or recommended?

Getting Vicks VapoRub too close to sensitive nasal passages risks dangerous side effects and complications. Understanding proper usage and ingredients helps ensure you dont do damage while chasing congestion relief.

How Vicks VapoRub Works

This topical ointment contains menthol, eucalyptus oil and camphor as active ingredients. When applied to the chest, back and throat, these components trigger a cooling sensation.

That chilly feeling tricks your brain into thinking airflow improved, offering the illusion your stuffed nose opened up. Greater blood circulation results as blood vessels constrict then dilate across skin.

Inhaling released vapors may help thin and drain mucus secretions through bronchial tube dilation too. But effects remain limited to treated areas.

Allure of Inserting Vicks in Nostrils

When nasal congestion caused by a cold or allergies makes breathing through your nose impossible, directly treating the blockage seems logical. And inserting Vicks VapoRub into each nostril promises fast-acting benefits.

With over 100 years of menthol magic backing it up, surely this gentle salve can be safely dabbed just inside your nasal openings to melt mucus right?

Swabbing just a little Vicks onto the inflamed tissues clogging your airway must help open things up. But looks prove deceiving when it comes to sticking anything in your nose.

Key Reasons to Never Put Vicks in Your Nose

Despite anecdotal claims that inserting Vicks VapoRub in nostrils eases stuffed sinuses, numerous dangers lurk with this unsafe use.

Mucous Membrane Irritation

Lining your nasal cavity is a mucous membrane filled with delicate nerve endings and blood vessels. Chemical components of menthol rubs can severely irritate these tissues.

Camphor and menthol create burning, stinging and inflammation when contacting sensitive interior nose skin. Damaging these areas risks painful sinusitis and nosebleeds.

Respiratory Distress

Accidentally inhaling petroleum-based salves into your lungs poses high risks for breathing emergency. Lipoid pneumonia is one rare but serious diagnosis.

Ointment residue left behind in your nasal passages can also obstruct airflow. Gelling agents that make balms thick and sticky can cling to tissues, blocking oxygen intake.

Harmful Reactions

Certain people may experience dangerous effects from VapoRub compounds like camphor and eucalyptus oil when used incorrectly.

Young children and the elderly face higher toxicity risks if too much absorbs through their skin or enters airways. Those with lung disease also warrant extra caution.

Even minimal nose exposure allows rapid camphor and menthol absorption into bloodstream for adults. Side effects from too high levels internally range from dizziness to seizures.

And remember you inhale as well as exhale from your nose. Any remnants you insert have two paths into your respiratory system, not just one!

Masking Serious Symptoms

If frequent congestion or diminished breathing bother you chronically, seeking medical diagnosis becomes vital before attempting DIY remedies like VapoRub nose insertion.

Numbing irritated areas with menthol could allow a dangerous disorder like lung cancer or heart disease to go undetected initially. Always get evaluated first for chronic or severe symptoms.

Once possible underlying causes ruled out by your physician, then gentle home treatments may supplement medical care plans as recommended.

Safe Ways to Use Vicks VapoRub

Used as directed by packaging, Vicks VapoRub helps temporarily relieve head and chest cold symptoms like coughing, sinus pressure and body aches. Legal labeling offers these approved external application tips:

Rub on Throat and Chest

Massaging just a thin layer onto your throat area and upper chest permits absorption without risks.

The skin covering these body parts safely interacts with VapoRubs ingredients to offer some surface decongestant and analgesic effects for adults and children over two years old.

Try with Steam Treatment

Adding a dollop of Vicks VapoRub to heated water, then leaning over the bowl with a towel draped loosely over your head creates a gentle steam session.

Inhaling the mentholated vapors this way eases congestion without direct contact or overexposure. This method still allows some vaporized camphor and eucalyptus oil to enter lungs.

Use Vicks Humidifier or Vaporizer

Introducing Vicks VapoRub into room air enables you to slowly absorb its benefits passively. Using an appropriate humidifier or vaporizer ensures temperatures remain safe.

This hands-off approach avoids risks associated with touching Vicks to nasal openings. It also requires much smaller amounts to feel results since the entire room fills with soothing mentholated mist.

Following these externally-focused recommendations lets you harness Vicks VapoRubs decongestant powers safely.

When to Call Your Doctor

Most colds and seasonal allergies causing congestion and airway inflammation resolve within two weeks or less. Using Vicks correctly during this time aids comfort.

But if symptoms like these last longer without improvement, promptly call your doctor:

• Persistent thick congestion
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Decreased sense of smell
• Recurring nosebleeds
• Severe headaches
• Face or eye pain

Chronic postnasal drip, runny noses and heavy congestion may indicate sinusitis or other complications needing medical treatment. Dont overlook red flags get evaluated right away.

When to Seek Emergency Help

While extremely rare when following package guidelines, quick complications can occur from Vicks VapoRub use.

Call 911 or poison control immediately if you or someone else experiences:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Racing heartrate
• Confusion or delirium
• Hallucinations
• Muscle tremors
• Mouth or eye irritation
• Chest or throat burning

Decontaminate skin and try rinsing eyes, mouth or nose gently if irritation occurs without swallowing. Share all product details with first responders.

Vicks VapoRub presents low risks when labeling instructions followed properly. But taking liberties like inserting into nostrils crosses safety boundaries fast.

The Takeaway

When battling miserable cold and allergy symptoms, using trusted mentholated rubs like Vicks VapoRub can temporarily provide ahh relief. Yet disregarding medical warnings against unsafe usage in hopes of amplifying effects puts you at pointless risk.

Sticking to external chest and throat applications minimizes any dangers substantially while still harnessing some decongestant effects. Being patient, avoiding DIY insertion tricks and seeking medical guidance for chronic issues serves you far better than a few seconds of menthol sensation up your nose.

The cool certainty that avoiding Vicks VapoRub inside nasal passages guarantees? Not dying! When used as directed topically, Vicks comforts safely with minimal concerns. Consistently respect dosage guidelines and treatment methods to keep risks low and support high.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.