Capsaicin Nasal Spray for Stuffy Nose: How It Works and Why It Helps

Capsaicin nasal spray works by affecting sensory nerve fibers in the nasal mucosa, particularly those that express the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor. This receptor is activated by heat, inflammation, and irritants like capsaicin.

How Capsaicin Works in the Nose

1. Initial Activation and Burning Sensation

 • When capsaicin is applied to the nasal mucosa, it stimulates TRPV1 receptors on sensory nerve endings.

 • This triggers a strong release of substance P and other neuropeptides, leading to a burning sensation and temporary irritation.

 

2. Desensitization of Nerve Fibers

 • With repeated exposure, capsaicin leads to desensitization of nerve endings.

 • This makes the nerves less sensitive to stimuli, reducing symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and excessive sneezing.

3. Reduction of Neurogenic Inflammation

 • Substance P and other neuropeptides contribute to neurogenic inflammation, which can cause swelling and increased mucus production.

 • By depleting these neurotransmitters from nerve endings, capsaicin reduces inflammation and irritation.

Effects of Capsaicin Nasal Spray

✅ Reduces nasal congestion – By decreasing swelling in the nasal mucosa.

✅ Reduces runny nose (vasomotor rhinitis) – By lowering nerve signaling that triggers mucus production.

✅ Decreases sensitivity to irritants – Can help individuals with non-allergic rhinitis or chemical sensitivities.

✅ No rebound effect – Unlike decongestant nasal sprays (e.g., oxymetazoline), it does not cause medication-induced congestion.

Who Can Benefit from Capsaicin Nasal Spray?

 • People with non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis), where the cause is overactive nasal nerves rather than allergies.

 • Those suffering from chronic nasal congestion and runny nose that do not respond to traditional treatments.

 • Individuals looking to avoid dependency on decongestant nasal sprays.

Side Effects and Drawbacks

❌ May cause a strong burning sensation initially, but this decreases after a few days.

❌ Some users experience sneezing and increased mucus production during the first applications.

❌ The effect is temporary, so the treatment must be repeated regularly.

In summary, capsaicin works by affecting and dampening overactive nasal nerves, making it useful for chronic nasal congestion and runny nose. Its effects rely on downregulating TRPV1 receptors and reducing neurogenic inflammation.

Capsaicin Nasal Spray Showed Significant And Rapid Relief In All Nasal Symptoms In Subjects With Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Greensations, Sinus Plumber™, All Natural Nasal Spray, 1 fl oz (30 ml)