Is It Dangerous to Put Vicks VapoRub in Your Nose?

Can Putting Vicks VapoRub in Your Nose Kill You?

Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter cold medication that has been around for over 100 years. It is commonly used to help relieve cough, congestion, and other symptoms associated with the common cold and flu.

Some people also use Vicks VapoRub in unconventional ways to open up a stuffy nose, including putting it directly into the nostrils. This has raised concerns over whether inhaling menthol and camphor fumes from VapoRub could be toxic or even fatal if misused in this way.

Let's take a factual look at the risks and safety concerns around using Vicks VapoRub in the nose.

Key Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub

The key active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are:

• Camphor - 4.8%
• Menthol - 2.6%
• Eucalyptus oil - 1.2%

In high concentrations, camphor and menthol are known respiratory irritants. But in the low doses present in VapoRub, these ingredients are considered safe when used properly.

Dangers of Ingesting Vicks VapoRub

While topical application is fine, ingesting Vicks can be dangerous or fatal. Consuming VapoRub can cause:

• Seizures
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Coughing up blood
• Coma
• Respiratory distress

There are reported cases of people hospitalized or dying after accidentally eating Vicks VapoRub. This is why ingestion is not a recommended use, especially in children.

Is It Safe to Put Vicks in Your Nose?

Putting a small dab of VapoRub right under the nostrils is generally not dangerous. Since the product is formulated for topical use, the camphor and menthol concentrations are low enough that minor exposure from underneath the nose is not a serious risk.

However, there are some hazards of putting Vicks too far up the nasal passages, including:

• Nasal or lung irritation
• Inflammation
• Damage to cilia (tiny nasal hairs)
• Difficulty breathing

Shoving globs of VapoRub deep into the nose can increase risk of toxicity. The camphor and menthol vapors are concentrated enough to potentially burn or irritate nasal passages and lungs.

Can Too Much Menthol Be Toxic?

Menthol is known to have some toxicity at high doses. Potential symptoms include:

• Central nervous system depression
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

However, typical topical use of menthol rubs like VapoRub is not expected to cause toxicity. There are almost no reports of overdose from using such products as directed.

Risks of Camphor Toxicity

Like menthol, camphor can also be toxic at very high doses. Symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Camphor poisoning used to be relatively common in the early 1900s when camphor was used in a variety of household products. But today cases of camphor toxicity are very rare, as commercial products use much smaller concentrations.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The people most at risk for toxicity from using Vicks in unconventional ways are:

• Infants and young children
• Elderly
• People with lung conditions like asthma
• Those snorting or ingesting Vicks

Vicks should never be used on or around infants and very young children due to risks for chemical inhalation and airway inflammation.

Documented Cases of Harm

There are a few documented cases of people harmed after inhaling large amounts of menthol or camphor:

• A 20-month old who developed respiratory distress after ingesting Vicks VapoRub.
• A 2-year old hospitalized with a seizures from accidentally ingesting an essential oil containing menthol.
• A woman who snorted crushed Vicks causing burns and swelling in the nose.

However, these instances involved very high exposures. Typical use of small dabs of VapoRub as directed is unlikely to cause harm.

Safer Ways to Relieve Stuffy Nose

While minor use of Vicks below the nose is likely fine, there are safer, more effective ways to get relief from a stuffy nose including:

Saltwater Rinses

Saline nasal rinses can help clear mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passages. Use a neti pot or nasal rinse bottle to apply.

Steam Inhalation

Inhaling warm, humid air loosens congestion. Try a hot shower, bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, or a humidifier.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water keeps nasal passages moist and makes mucus thinner, promoting drainage.

Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture to dry air, helping loosen congestion. Keep humidity around 40-50%.

OTC Nasal Sprays

Saline nasal sprays hydrate the nose. Decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline shrink swollen membranes but should be used sparingly.

OTC Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines like Loratadine or Cetirizine reduce nasal inflammation from allergies. Use as directed.

Rest

Getting adequate sleep allows your body to heal and recover faster. Light exercise can help circulate mucus too.

Clean Your Space

Dust, pet dander and other allergens and irritants can worsen stuffy noses. Keep your home clean and change filters regularly.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if congestion persists for more than 10 days, gets worse, or is accompanied by:

• Fever
• Facial or sinus pain
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Symptoms that worsen after 5-7 days

Chronic stuffy nose may require prescription medication or further evaluation by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

The Bottom Line

Placing a small amount of Vicks VapoRub right under nose is generally not dangerous and may provide temporary relief. But there are safer, more effective ways to clear a stuffy nose long-term.

Ingesting Vicks or putting large amounts into the nostrils can potentially lead to toxicity, irritation, or breathing problems, especially in young children. Use menthol-based rubs sparingly and as directed.

See a doctor if congestion persists or worsens despite home treatments. With smart care, you can breathe easy again soon.

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.