Nasal sprays are often your first line defence in treating both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Good response in using nasal sprays to improve your symptoms and reduce side effects is similar to the principles of your asthma preventer inhalers - not missing your prescribed doses and ensuring good technique.
Long term use of nasal sprays is pretty safe, but it is important to regularly review with your doctor or nurse to make sure your nasal spray is still right for you and to ensure good technique. Some people need to use their nasal sprays throughout the year, where as others need it for particular seasons or circumstances only. It can take 2-3 weeks before they start working, so consider starting before your trigger season starts - such as hayfever. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs by your doctor.
How to use your nasal spray
- Make sure you have clean hands
- Check the expiry date and make sure it's not been opened longer than recommended on the instructions that comes with it.
- Shake the bottle well before using and prime it as advised by manufacturer (usually spray once or twice until spray seen).
- Follow the treatment schedule and duration as advised by your doctor or nurse.
1. Gently blow your nose in to a clean tissue
2. Bend your head forward slightly
3. Hold your nasal spray in the OPPOSITE hand to the nostril you are about to spray in. You want to make sure you spray AWAY from the middle nose bone (nasal septum). Putting the finger of your other hand on your ear, on the same side you are spraying can be a great way to ensure you are spraying in the right direction. Activate the nasal spray - do not sniff
5. Change hands and repeat for the other nostril
