Using a nasal spray | noseandsinus.md

Why technique matters

A nasal spray has to land on the lining of the nose, not on the septum (the wall between the nostrils) or the back of the throat. Aimed wrongly it stings, causes nosebleeds, or simply runs away without doing anything. Aimed well it settles swelling, opens a blocked nose, and helps hay fever and polyps.

Most sprays are steroids, which are safe to use every day for long periods. They work slowly, over days to weeks, so the key is to keep going and to aim well every time.

Types of spray

Steroid sprays (Avamys, Nasonex and others) calm inflammation over days to weeks. Most preventive treatment is a steroid spray.
Antihistamine sprays act faster and are useful for allergy flare-ups.
Combined sprays (Dymista, Ryaltris) do both in one.

How to spray, step by step

Blow your nose gently to clear it. If you also rinse, rinse first.
Shake the bottle and take off the cap. Prime a new bottle with a few puffs until it makes a fine mist.
Tip your head slightly forward and look down at the floor.
Use the opposite hand: right hand for the left nostril, left hand for the right. This points the nozzle out towards your cheek.
Aim out, not up. Point the nozzle towards the outer corner of your eye on that side, never at the septum in the middle.
Squeeze once and breathe in gently at the same time. Do not sniff hard, or it goes straight to your throat.
Repeat in the other nostril if two sprays each side are prescribed.
Do not blow or sniff hard afterwards; let it settle on the lining.

The opposite-hand trick is the single thing that makes the biggest difference: it stops you aiming at the septum, which is what causes stinging and nosebleeds.

How often to use it

Follow the dose on your prescription. As a guide, and remember it works over days to weeks, not minutes, so keep going even once the nose feels better.

Hay fever. Once or twice a day through the season; start two weeks before it if you can.
Sinus trouble or polyps. Every day, ongoing. Rinse first if you also rinse.
After surgery. As prescribed, usually daily for several weeks.
General allergy control. Daily through the months you get symptoms.

Fixing common problems

It stings or bleeds a little. You are aiming at the septum. Aim out towards the cheek and use the opposite hand.
It runs down your throat. Too much force, or aimed up and back. Use one gentle squeeze and breathe in softly.
It does not seem to work. Give it two to four weeks, check your aim, and rinse first so it reaches a clean lining.
Nosebleeds keep happening. Stop for a few days, then restart aiming well. Tell me if they continue.

Practical tips

Rinse too? Rinse first, wait five minutes, then spray.
A daily spray you keep up works far better than an occasional one.
Keep using it even when your nose feels clear, unless you have been told to stop.

Watch how it's done

Aim out, not up, so the spray reaches the lining and not the septum.

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This guide is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Contact the practice if you have questions about your own care.