Health chiefs have warned of rising numbers of people becoming addicted to nasal decongestant sprays, which can cause irreversible damage to the airways. 

The sprays, available for less than £4 at high street chemists, are a go-to remedy for relieving a blocked nose, especially during cold and flu season. 

But concerning new research has revealed that nearly 60 per cent of people are unaware that these sprays shouldn't be used long-term, putting them at serious risk of rebound-congestion. 

Experts at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) say that using them for longer than this can irritate the sensitive blood vessels in the nose, causing swelling. 

This makes congestion worse, resulting in a vicious cycle that leaves patients dependent on the medication to help them breathe. 

Medically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, it can affect anyone who overuses nasal sprays, triggering irritation, runny nose, sneezing and congestion. 

Some patients who have a history of the condition are even forced to have surgery to address damage caused by chronic swelling, which can lead to breathing problems and facial disfigurements. 

Research conducted by ITV and Ipsos found more than a fifth of adults who have used the sprays have done so for longer than a week- meaning around 5.5million people in the UK have risked becoming addicted. 

Now, the RPS are calling for the risks of overusing these medications, such as Sudafed and Vicks, to be clearly labelled on packaging. 

Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at the RPS, said: 'Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realising they could be prolonging their symptoms.

'We’d like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can’t miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit.' 

She added: 'The response needs to be proportionate to the risk, and at the moment, the immediate, important step to take is to clarify the message and the health advice with a waning on the front of the packing that this product should not be used beyond the seven-day limit.'  

Others, who have been affected by the problem, have previously called for the medications to be made available by prescription only, so GPs can monitor and limit the supply. 

One patient trapped in a cycle of what she calls 'addiction' is Charlotte Johnstone, 30, who first started using the nasal sprays at just seven-year-old. 

She recently told ITV that at the height of her 23 year health battle, she was reaching for the decongestant eight times a day. 

'I can't sleep without having it, I wake up and the first thing I do is have my nasal spray,' she said. 

Now, her addiction-related anxiety is so bad that she dreams about not being able to breathe and will not go anywhere which would restrict her access to the spray. 

After decades of using the spray, a habit that costs her around £30 a month, Ms Johnstone is worried that it has a permanent effect on her health. 

She said: 'I go through stages of losing my sense of smell. I know it's doing something but I don't know what.

'But for the sake of having a clear nose, and avoiding feeling claustrophobic, I'll just take it.' 

But, according to Ms Johnstone, even some GPs are not aware of the extent of the problem, with some allegedly googling her symptoms in front of her. 

Most patients hooked in nasal sprays will be able to successfully wean themselves off the drug and suffer no long-term nasal damage, experts say. 

But others suffering from the condition will have to use a stronger, steroid-based spray before symptoms improve. 

For many, starting this rehabilitation process can be daunting.

Ms Johnstone told ITV: 'Going cold turkey is very scary to think about. You've got to be really brave for that and I'd have to book a lot of time off work.' 

Ms Johnstone said she has been shocked by the numbers of people in similar situations and now wants to raise better awareness of the risks of overuse. 

Rebound congestion is only caused by excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, rather than saline or steroid sprays. 

PAGB, the consumer healthcare association representing the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines in the UK said: 'As an over-the-counter medicine, nasal decongestants are indicated for short-term relief of symptoms and the products state on the packaging and patient information leaflet that they should not be used continuously for more than seven days. 

'The patient information leaflet, which accompanies all nasal decongestant sprays, outlines the risks of taking the medication for longer than it's indicated use.'