Another sniffle, another sneeze, and you can not wait for a hold of a nasal spray to finally get relief and get rid of a stuffy nose.
Nasal sprays are widely used to treat congestion and other symptoms associated with seasonal allergies and colds. They deliver a fine mist of medication in your nostrils. Since the internal lining of the nostrils is enriched with nerves, it quickly absorbs the medicine and provides instant relief.
The physicians recommend several types of nasal sprays to help you out, including caffeine nasal spray, steroid nasal spray, saline nasal spray, and so on.
Mostly these products are sold with a hand-operated pump or squeeze bottle; however, how to use the spray bottle as it impacts the dosage of the chemical you receive. To that end, this article will help you know all about nasal sprays, their types, and what is the correct way to use them.
Understanding Various Types of Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are usually preferred when instant treatment is required, as they are absorbed by the nerves and enter directly into the bloodstream. Subsequently, due to its unique action mechanism, it is known to have lesser side effects and more benefits.
There are different types of nasal sprays – both over-the-counter and prescription. Have a look at this quick guide to get an idea about them.
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Nasal Steroid Spray
It is referred to as the first-line therapy for allergies. These reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages and offer relief from runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing.
In addition, they are available on the counter and are known to work effectively when used once or twice daily.
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Nasal Saline Spray
As the name suggests, these nasal sprays have saline and are an excellent option to keep the nostrils moist, especially in the dry season; however, they are unlikely to treat nasal congestion.
Generally, the spray is suggested for infants to help them get relief from colds and sneezing while removing the obstruction from their nostrils.
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Caffeine Nasal Spray
Caffeine nasal spray contains caffeine as an active ingredient which is famous for treating allergies. It offers a required amount of caffeine for the body that is not necessary to be ingested or digested by the body.
Therefore, it has a more powerful and quick impact than coffee or tea. It has the same effects as taking caffeine orally but is more intense.
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Nasal Cromolyn Sodium Spray
This type of nasal spray helps with sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion in allergic patients due to the presence of Cromolyn Sodium. Its primary action mechanism is to prevent the mast cells.
Moreover, the nasal spray is available over the counter; however, it might sometimes show nasal burn and an awful taste.
Nasal Spray – How to Use it Effectively?
The primary instruction about using the nasal spray effectively is somewhat the same; however, it might slightly differ depending on which spray type you use. If you still have some thoughts regarding the usage, it is better to consult the pharmacist to learn the correct way.
Prepare yourself before spraying the medicine in your nose:
- Ensure you can breathe from each nostril properly. If your nostrils are blocked, the medicine won’t go deep down into the nasal passage; hence, the drug will have minimal to no impact.
- Sometimes, you must prime your nasal spray to get a fine mist. Thus, squirt your spray a few times until you see a fine mist. Remember, keep it away from others and your eyes.
- Store the nasal spray as mentioned in the packaging; do not share it with others, and ensure you have kept it out of the children’s reach.
Nasal Spray: Step-by-Step Instructions
Using a pump spray bottle, you can follow these steps to ensure you get it done correctly and receive the correct dosage.
1. Clean your nostrils to ensure there is no mucus in the nasal passages.
2. Shake the nasal spray for a bit and prime it before use if needed.
3. Tilt your head in the forward direction, and close one nostril by gently pressing it with your finger.
4. Take the nasal spray tip into the back of your nostril and ensure it is directly at the back and not at the end of your nose.
5. Squeeze the spray while breathing slowly through your nose.
6. Once you have done the spray, remove the spray from your nostril and breathe out from the mouth.
7. Repeat the same steps for another nostril and use it according to your physician’s instructions.
8. Try not to sneeze or clean the nose immediately after the spray to ensure it is adequately absorbed in the nasal passage.
Additionally, if you have sprayed the medication rightly into your nostrils, it should not drip down your nose or throat. However, there are chances that you experience a bad taste after spray; you can overcome it by drinking juice or water.
Nasal Sprays: Side Effects
Some common nasal spray side effects include:
- Bleeding
- Increased runny nose
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Dryness in nose
- Burning
- Stinging
In some cases, significant side effects can also be observed, including:
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Vision changes
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
Overdosage
Using the decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 days is not recommended. Overdosage of the nasal sprays can make them less effective and sometimes worsen the intensity of the symptoms.
Whereas, if you use the nasal spray more frequently, it will become less effective, and you might have to increase the dosage to get relief.
Concluding Remarks
Nasal sprays are an effective and helpful way to relieve allergic reactions and colds. You can get them on the counter or by prescription, depending on your condition.
Experiencing milder symptoms while using the nasal spray is quite normal, but if the symptoms get extreme, the situation can lead to rebound congestion.
Therefore, if you have been using the nasal spray for more than 3 days and it has not shown effective outcomes or symptoms are worsening, it is better to consult your physician and get yourself checked immediately.
