Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays for Allergy Relief
Nasal Steroid Sprays in Sinus Allergy & Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Oct 11, 2009
Corticosteroid nasal sprays work wonders for allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, allergic fungal sinusitis and some instances of chronic sinusitis. They act by decreasing inflammatory responses in the nasal and sinus tissues, in turn reducing symptoms like nasal congestion and discharge.
Why Use Nasal Sprays
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that are used in the treatment of several conditions from asthma to cancer. Wonder drugs though they are, oral corticosteroids also cause many side effects, some of them quite serious. Long term use of oral corticosteroids can cause complications such as diabetes, osteoporosis and immunosuppression causing increased risk of infection and weight gain, to name a few.
When administered in the form of nasal sprays, the absorption of corticosteroids into the blood stream is minimal and therefore all these adverse effects can be avoided.
Conditions in Which Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays are Used
Inflammation being the basic mechanism in many conditions like allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps, corticosteroids form an important part of their treatment.
- Allergic rhinitis – an allergic condition of the nose characterized by a runny nose, itching and paroxysmal sneezing
- Allergic fungal sinusitis – a condition where the nose and sinuses develop allergy to fungal elements, with the sinuses becoming filled with allergic mucin, fungal debris and polyps (spray is used post operatively)
- Nasal polyps – benign masses in the nose causing nasal block, nasal discharge and headaches
- Chronic sinusitis – a chronic inflammatory condition of the sinuses leading to headaches, nasal discharge and obstruction
Advantages of Using Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays
From safety to efficacy, there are many benefits with the use of corticosteroids in nasal spray form.
- The drug is directly delivered to the targeted tissue, the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses.
- The drug is delivered in aerosol form, which is optimal for its action on the mucous membranes.
- With this form, absorption into the bloodstream is minimal and therefore the side effects associated with oral corticosteroids can be avoided.
- With the adverse effects being negligible, they can be used for long term treatment as required in conditions like seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.
- On stopping their use, they do not cause “rebound congestion” (swelling of the lining membranes of the nose) seen commonly with decongestant nasal drops.
Corticosteroids Commonly Used in Nasal Spray Form
Here is a list of steroids most commonly prescribed for nasal allergy and available in spray form.
- Fluticasone
- Flunisolide
- Mometasone
- Beclomethasone
- Budesonide
Fluticasone is sometimes combined with azelastine, a second generation antihistamine that can be administered in spray form, in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
How to Use Nasal Sprays
While most nasal spray packs come with clear instructions about their use, here are some more tips.
- First take a deep breath and clear your nose.
- When spraying one nostril, close the other with a finger.
- Point the canister towards the back of your head rather than up towards the roof. This will ensure optimal drug delivery in the direction of air flow.
- With the canister in position, press the applicator and simultaneously inhale.
- Clean the canister after use.
- Use once or twice daily as directed by your physician (the dose is usually one or two puffs depending on the agent and its strength).
Side Effects of Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays
Side effects of corticosteroid nasal sprays are few as their absorption into the bloodstream is negligible. They can, however, cause local side effects with prolonged use. Some of them are:
- Nose bleeds
- Burning sensation in the nose
- Irritation or drying in the throat
- They can, very rarely, cause septal perforations (holes in the nasal septum).
Resources:
Physicians' Desk Reference 2005. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare, 2004
Beers, Mark H., ed. Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Riverside, NJ: Simon & Schuster, 2004.
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