A man who was "addicted" to nasal spray for nearly a decade has warned others of the side effects.

Connor Cucurnia, 29, became addicted to nasal spray after he suffered a bout of hay fever when he was 21.

Connor's "addiction" meant that he had difficulties eating and sleeping and even smiling due to his sinuses getting backed up.

After almost a decade, Connor finally decided to consult a doctor and he says he has "never felt better."

Connor, a content creator from Gamlingay, Bedfordshire, said: "The addiction started on the first year I had hay fever. It was when I was around 21.

"I never suffered from hay fever, but I remember it being so terribly bad that I couldn't sleep.

"After the first few days of being like that, I used nasal sprays for the first time."

Over the last decade, Connor has been using the spray at least once every hour and has spent close to £5,000 on the medicine since he was 21.

Without using the spray regularly, Connor would find it uncomfortable to breath, eat or sleep.

The spray gave him instant relief from all of the symptoms and allowed him to properly function.

Connor said: "The biggest bit of advice to people is to PLEASE try to get booked in to see a doctor so they can diagnose you with whatever is wrong and give you an alternative.

"A safe solution instead of getting stuck on nasal sprays.

"You may feel it's fine to use these sprays as it sorts you out but it's only temporary and it's not a healthy solution AT ALL."