Steroid Nose Sprays

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How to use a steroid nose spray

• Blow your nose and shake the bottle.
• Tilt your head forward.
• Hold the spray bottle upright.
• Insert the tip of the spray bottle just inside one nostril. Close the other nostril with your other hand, and apply one or two sprays as prescribed.
• Breathe in as you spray (but do not sniff hard as the spray then travels past the nose to the throat.)
• Do not angle the canister towards the middle or side of the nose, but straight up. With your head tilted forward the spray should go to the back of your nose.
• Repeat in the other nostril.

What if my nose is very blocked or runny
Sometimes a very blocked or runny nose will prevent the steroid spray from getting through to work. A decongestant nose spray which you can buy at pharmacies may then be useful. A decongestant spray has an immediate effect to clear a blocked nose. You can then use the the steroid spray once the nose is clear.

(Note: decongestant sprays are not usually advised for more than a few days. If you use one for more than 5-7 days, a 'rebound', more severe congestion of the nose may develop. In contrast, steroid sprays work well to clear symptoms, and can be used for long periods.)

Some points about steroid nose sprays

• It takes several days for a steroid spray to build up to its full effect. Therefore you will not have an immediate relief of symptoms when you first start it. In some people it can take up to three weeks or longer to get the maximum benefit.
• If you use the spray for hay fever, it is best to start using it at least a week before the hay fever season starts.
• Once symptoms are gone, you are still likely to need to take it regularly to keep symptoms away.
• Your doctor may advise to reduce the dose to a lower 'maintenence' dose once symptoms have gone. The aim is to find the lowest dose that controls symptoms.
• An occasional forgotten dose should not be a problem, but symptoms usually return after a few days if you stop taking the spray.
• Some people only need a nose spray for the hay fever season. If you have a persistent rhinitis, you may have to take treatment long-term to keep symptoms away. Long-term use of a steroid nose spray is thought to be safe.
• Steroid nose sprays occasionally cause dryness, crusting, and bleeding of the nose. If this occurs, stop it for a few days and then restart. Other side-effects or problems are rare (read the packet leaflet for details).

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: May 2005   CHIQ Accredited   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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