When seasons shift or allergens strike,
nasal congestion and runny noses cloud our lives.
Yet a beacon of hope emerges—
the
nasal spray, guardian of rhinitis sufferers.
But unlocking its "magic" requires more than random sprays.
Tilted or upright? How many times a day?
Which spray comes first in combination?
Master its proper use to reclaim free breathing.
Corticosteroid Sprays
Gentle, Long-Lasting Anti-Inflammatory Warriors
Corticosteroid sprays (nasal glucocorticoids) effectively relieve nasal symptoms and are widely used for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and polyps. Common types include budesonide and mometasone furoate.
Usage Guide
Shake well before use.
Clear nasal passages first. Shake the bottle and test-spray 3-7 times to ensure even mist.
Tilt head slightly forward. Insert nozzle ~1 cm into the nostril, angled outward. Use the
cross-spray technique: left hand for right nostril, right hand for left nostril. Avoid directing spray toward the septum to prevent nosebleeds.
Rinse mouth after use. Clean the nozzle and store the bottle upright.
If paused for ≥14 days, reprime with test sprays before reuse.
Frequency
Mild-moderate allergic rhinitis: 1-2 sprays daily (as prescribed) for ≥2 weeks.
Moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis: First-line treatment. Use ≥4 weeks, then taper under medical guidance (e.g., from twice daily to once daily, then every other day). Adjust based on individual sensitivity (e.g., single-nostril sprays).
Continuous treatment outperforms intermittent use. Consult your doctor for dose adjustments post-course.
Saline Sprays
Nature’s Cleaning Master
Saline sprays, derived from processed seawater, contain sodium chloride and minerals. They cleanse nasal passages, reduce swelling, remove allergens/bacteria, and promote mucosal repair.
Usage Guide
Choose a nasal irrigator.
Sit upright, tilt head forward 45°, and align with the irrigator.
Seal one nostril with the nozzle. Breathe through your mouth as saline flows into one nostril and exits the other. Blow gently before switching sides.
Frequency
Active symptoms: 1-2 daily rinses (avoid overuse).
Post-symptom relief: Maintain 3 weekly rinses.
Recurrent cases: Seek ENT evaluation and tailored treatment.
Note:
Combine with corticosteroid sprays: Use saline first to clear debris, wait 15 minutes, then apply nasal steroids.
Decongestant Sprays
Rapid-Relief Emergency Heroes
Decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline) shrink nasal blood vessels, offering instant congestion relief.
Usage Guide
Similar to corticosteroid sprays, but spray
vertically into nostrils for optimal effect.
Frequency
Limit to 1-2 daily doses (morning/evening) for
≤1 week. Overuse reduces efficacy, causes rebound congestion, and risks
rhinitis medicamentosa.
Note:
Combine with corticosteroid sprays: Use decongestant first, wait 10 minutes, then apply steroids.
Three Sprays, One Mission
Each spray plays a unique role in safeguarding nasal health. However, individual nasal conditions vary. Whether used alone or combined,
always follow medical guidance—never self-prescribe.
