Using Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays

If after consultation with your doctor you have been prescribed nasal sprays it is important that you use the spray in the correct manner. This is essential so that the medication gets to the relevant areas within the nose.

Please follow the following instructions:

1. If you have been advised to carry out nasal douching or irrigation then carry this out first before applying the spray.

2. Shake the bottle well.

3. Bend your head downwards, looking down.

4. Using your Left hand for your right nostril, put the nozzle just inside your nose and aiming towards the outer wall of your nose.

5. Squirt upwards & NOT backwards, if squirting once.

6. Use your right hand for your left nostril & repeat as necessary.

Caution about decongestant nasal sprays

Decongestant nasal sprays can usually be purchased as over the counter medicines for relief of flu like symptoms. They act by shrinking down the nasal lining quickly and reducing the mucus production. This obviously gives the individual significant relief. The benefit however is shortlived, and the nasal lining "rebounds" after the effect of the medication has subsided. It "rebounds" to a state whereby the lining is slightly thicker and so the individual feels the need to use the spray more frequently. A dependance tendency may then develop, and in the long run this makes the nasal symptoms worse and more difficult to manage.

This is why the advice is to limit the use of nasal decongestants to no more than 10 days.