Mastering Steroid Nasal Sprays: A Comprehensive Guide for Sinus Relief

So, you’re suffering with sinus pain, have sinusitis or nasal polyps, and you’ve visited your doctor. They’ve assessed you and prescribed a steroid nasal spray, but you don’t know what to do with it or how to use it! Well, don’t worry because you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I'll cover what a nasal spray is, what it is used for, what you need to know before you use the spray, how to use it (including a practical demonstration), possible side effects, and finally, how to properly store it.

First, what is a steroid nasal spray and what is it used for?

Steroid nasal sprays help to relieve inflammation, sneezing, itching, and blocked or runny noses, which are symptoms of underlying conditions like hay fever, sinusitis, and nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose).

Before using a steroid nasal spray, there are some important things that you need to know. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. They will specify how long you should use it and the reason why you are using it. Most people tolerate steroid nasal sprays well, but generally speaking, you shouldn’t use it if you have an allergy to steroid nasal sprays, an untreated infection inside the nose (because this can worsen the infection), or if you have recently had an operation or injury to your nose. Your healthcare provider will advise you if it is appropriate for you to use.

It is also important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have ever had tuberculosis, are taking another steroid medicine, or have cystic fibrosis. Another crucial point is that if your child is taking steroid nasal sprays for a long period, it can potentially affect their height. If this is the case, their height should be monitored, and you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before they start taking it. Finally, contact your healthcare provider if you experience any blurred vision or other changes in your vision.

Now we know what a steroid nasal spray is and some important things you should be aware of before using it, how do you use it?

For this section, I’ll take you through a practical step-by-step demonstration.

1. Take the medication out of the box and read the information leaflet fully before using it. Every spray is different and will have slightly different instructions. If you are unsure about anything, speak to your pharmacist first.
2. Take the dispensing bottle out of the pack. Shake the bottle a couple of times before using it. Remove the dust cap.
3. If you are using the bottle for the first time, you need to ‘prime’ it by pumping the spray 10 times until a fine mist is produced.
4. Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
5. Put your forefinger and middle finger either side of the nozzle and your thumb underneath the bottle.
6. Close one nostril and put the nozzle into the other nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly, keeping the bottle upright.
7. Start to breathe in gently or slowly through your nose and, whilst taking a breath in, squirt a spray of the mist into your nose by pressing down once with your fingers. Breathe out through your mouth.
8. If you need to do a second spray, repeat the previous step.
9. After using the spray, wipe the nozzle clean with a tissue and replace the dust cap.

Depending on your underlying condition, you might use one or two sprays of the medication in each nostril. Again, follow the specific instructions. If you accidentally forget to take the spray at the right time, don’t worry. Use it as soon as you remember and then carry on like before.

How do you clean your nasal spray?

It is important that you clean your nasal spray regularly; otherwise, it might not work properly. To do this, remove the dust cap and gently pull off the nozzle. Wash the nozzle and dust cap in warm water and rinse them under a running tap. Allow them to air dry. Once they are dry, push the nozzle back onto the bottle and replace the dust cap.

How do you store this medication?

Once opened, the bottle should be used within 2 months and stored in a dry, cool place.

How long does it take to work?

Some people will begin to feel relief from symptoms within 12 hours of using the medication. For others, it can take 2-3 days. For the best outcomes, don’t be tempted to stop using the spray early even if you feel better. It is always best to complete the course, and if you do want to stop, speak to your healthcare provider first. If you have been using the medication for several months or longer, you should speak to your doctor to ask them to review your symptoms.

Finally, what are some potential side effects of steroid nasal sprays?

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some people can develop headaches, sneezing, nose bleeds, sore throats, or ulcers in the nose. If these are minor, carry on using the spray, but if they become bothersome or you are concerned about them, speak to your doctor. In rare events, some people can have a severe allergy to the spray. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and while it is rare, it can be life-threatening. You should stop using the spray immediately if you develop a swollen face, tongue, or lips, have trouble swallowing, develop hives, or have difficulty breathing, and contact emergency services immediately.

I hope you found this post useful and informative. For more specific information, please see the description box. If you’re interested in scaling your medical brand on YouTube or wish to sponsor these videos with your products, feel free to reach out. Until next time, thanks for reading and take care!