Nasal sprays are commonly used for allergy symptoms, runny or blocked noses, hay fever and sinusitis. They are sprayed directly into the nose, are effective at lower doses and have fewer side-effects than oral medication.

Three common types are available without prescription:

Corticosteroids or steroidal nasal sprays are used for allergies to reduce inflammation and provide relief from sneezing, itching, stuffiness, watery eyes, a runny nose and postnasal drip. It is important to use them daily for a few weeks, as they can take a few days to work. They are often prescribed for long-term use with an oral antihistamine.

Nasal decongestants start to work in minutes and offer quick, but temporary relief for a stuffy and runny nose. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose and reduce swelling. Nasal decongestants are used twice a day for a maximum of three days. If you use them for longer, the nasal membranes may become less responsive or tolerant to the effect. This can cause you to use more and instead of helping, they cause the congestion. This condition is called “rebound rhinitis” or rhinitis medicamentosa and may cause long-term sinus congestion and damage the nasal passages.

Saline (salt water) nasal sprays moisturise the nasal passages and reduce and loosen mucus build-up. They don’t contain medication and can be used long-term for relief of nasal inflammation and dryness. These are a good option for babies and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

All medicines have side-effects and the benefits and risks should be considered before using medication.

When using a nasal spray, the correct positioning and technique are important to get the solution into your sinus cavities and obtain the best results.

A few tips on how to use a nasal spray correctly:

Before applying, blow your nose gently. Remove the dust cap. Shake the bottle and squirt a small amount into the air away from you to prime the nasal spray. You only have to do this once before using it.

Hold the container upright while using it. To spray in your left nostril, hold the spray in your right hand, insert the tip of the nasal spray in the nostril and aim the spray up and towards the outside corner of your left eye. For the right nostril, do it the opposite way: use your left hand to hold the spray, insert the tip of the spray inside the nostril and aim towards the outside corner of your right eye. Avoid spraying the solution on the nasal septum or middle of the nose.

Usually, the pump action is enough to get the solution into the nose and sinus cavities, and there is no need to sniff. You can, however, take little sniffs to keep it from dripping out. Avoid a big sniff where you taste the medication in your mouth.

Don’t tilt your head back; keep it upright or slightly forward

Remember, always read the medication leaflet, check the expiry date and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do you have a question for our pharmacist? Email:  pharmacist@timeslive.co.za

Unfortunately, not every question can be published and our pharmacist cannot enter into private correspondence with readers. If your question is not published, keep an eye out for information that relates to the topic in future columns.

Disclaimer: Though every effort has been made in compiling and checking the information in this column to ensure it is accurate, the author, publisher or their agents shall not be responsible or liable for the continued accuracy of the information or for any errors, omissions and inaccuracies, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, or for any consequences arising therefrom. The information contained in this column is not a substitute for a medical doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read in this column or on this website.

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