Tips for using nasal sprays
Nasal sprays containing only saline – a solution of salt in water – can be a useful temporary treatment for people with hay fever. A regular squirt of the solution into dry and irritated nostrils may ease the discomfort by moisturizing the area. Saline sprays are available over-the-counter from most chemists.
Tips for using nasal sprays
The nose can become very inflamed and sore in hay fever, and continual exposure to the same levels of pollen can in fact appear to make nasal symptoms progressively worse. Nasal sprays can alleviate nasal congestion and therefore prevent this decline. Most nasal sprays deliver a fine mist, containing appropriate medications, into the nostril by means of a miniature hand-pump mechanism. It is common for a doctor or allergy specialist to prescribe a combination of nasal sprays, or nasal sprays combined with other medications.
Some nasal sprays may cause a temporary stinging sensation on application, particularly if the area is very inflamed. After a few days, however, the inflammation should be reduced and the sensation should ease. Some people are unable to stand the stinging and prefer to take their hay fever medication in tablet or capsule form only. Not all nasal sprays sting, though, and it is worth experimenting with different brands to find the most suitable for you. Ask your doctor, allergy specialist or pharmacist about this.
A nasal spray should be discarded four weeks after first opening the container, or returned to your pharmacy. It may be helpful to write the date of opening on the box. If you are aware of an allergy to any of the ingredients in the medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you experience side effects other than stinging after using a nasal spray, inform your doctor. In addition, it is important that you read the information sheet provided with the medication.
For optimum relief
As the nose is a complicated, walnut-like arrangement of delicate membranes, it’s not easy to cover every bit of it with a spray – especially when you have only two small holes through which to apply it. Indeed, some people have given up trying using nasal sprays because they didn’t apply them correctly and found that they weren’t any real help. You can obtain maximum benefit by taking note of the following:
1 If need be, blow your nose before using the spray.
2 Bow your head forward and hold the spray at the first nostril so that it is pointing vertically upwards.
3 While sniffing up, squirt one or two puffs into one nostril. Then repeat with the other nostril.
4 Quickly get into a position which places your head upside-down. This enables the liquid to cover a much wider area. You may wish to kneel with your head between your knees or tilt it backwards over the edge of your bed. Ask a family member to help you, if need be.
5 To spread the liquid around further, sniff in and out rapidly for up to a minute.
6 Get up.
You will know that you are carrying out the procedure correctly if the liquid stops trickling down your throat, like it did previously. If there is indeed no trickle, it has remained in the nose, which is where it is meant to be.