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If you have allergies, there’s a good chance you’ve considered using nasal sprays to treat your symptoms. But even though they’re supposed to be fine for you to use, you’re still a little reluctant to use something without knowing more about it. So, can nasal sprays harm you?
Nasal sprays are substances – usually medicines – that are sprayed up the nose in a light mist in order to relieve allergy symptoms. Saline sprays are drug-free and help your breathing by loosening and thinning mucus in your nose. Decongestants sprays (such as oxymetazoline or phenylephrine) shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues that are causing congestion. Antihistamine sprays (like azelastine) relieve congestion, sneezing, and itchy and runny noses. Steroid sprays (including fluticasone and mometasone) help reduce congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Saline and decongestants are available over the counter, antihistamines sprays are prescription medicines, and steroid nasal sprays are both.
Most nasal sprays are not habit forming, so you can use them long-term without fear of forming an addiction. In fact, steroid sprays should be used daily, as they may take a week or so to start working.
The one exception is nasal decongestant sprays. They are habit forming and should not be used for more than 3-4 days at a time.
Doctors caution against the overuse of decongestant sprays. Prolonged use can lead to rebound swelling and, ironically, long-term stuffiness. Steroid sprays, while not habit forming, don’t show any increased benefit if used more than once a day. Also, any nasal spray can irritate the tissue inside the nose and cause nosebleeds.
You don’t need to work alone to figure out which nasal spray is best for you. The allergy specialists at CEENTA will test you, determine what you’re allergic to, and come up with a treatment plan that best suits your needs. If that includes nasal sprays, they are happy to discuss how to make the right spray work best for you.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
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