Nasal Sprays: Who Should Take Precautions While Using It?

There is no getting around it when you are suffering from a cold: nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Cold medicine does not always work, especially if you have taken other medicine containing decongestants or already taking an antihistamine. To help clear up your nasal congestion and relieve annoying, ongoing symptoms of the common cold, rely on a nasal spray, which contains a saline solution in addition to an antihistamine.

Nasal sprays are a fast and effective way to treat a stuffy nose. Whether you are treating yourself at home or collecting samples for your doctor, it is helpful to know the different types of products that are available. There is a nasal spray for whatever your cold symptoms are, but you have to be careful about which one to use. Here is how to get relief from a runny nose, sneezing, and other cold symptoms by choosing the right nasal spray.

Whether you are looking for an over-the-counter or prescription nasal spray for your congestion, there are many options to try. Take a look at the article to see what might be the best choice for you.

Types of Nasal Sprays

These products can help provide quick relief of sinus pressure and inflammation symptoms, which can be caused by allergies or a sinus infection. Using a nasal spray can provide fast relief for nasal congestion, pressure, and mucus build-up. Nasal sprays are easy to use and deliver medicine directly to the site of your symptoms.

There are three kinds to choose from:

Decongestants- When your nose is stuffed up, you cannot get enough air. That makes your head pound, gives you a splitting headache, and makes it hard to sleep. Every time you breathe out, mucus may drip into your mouth or sting your eyes. Nasal sprays are decongestants that narrow blood vessels in the lining of your nose and shrink swollen tissues to unplug your sinuses. Nasal sprays, which work as well as oral medications; and steam inhalers, which are easy to use at home. In most cases, they are safe to use in children when they are age 12 or older. And they do work—they relieve congestion so you can breathe better and get on with your day!

Salt-water solutions– Most cold medicines only make you feel better by killing off the viruses that are making you sick. The dosing instructions are confusing, and many of them do not offer anything to relieve your stuffed-up nose. Saline nasal sprays are different: If you have problems with a stuffy nose, various saline nasal sprays are available without a prescription. Saline sprays do not contain any medications; they simply loosen and drain away from the thickened mucus in your nose, making it easier to breathe. Feel free to use them as often as needed.

Steroid nasal sprays- When your nose is stuffed up because of allergies or a cold, allergy nasal spray and steroid nasal sprays for cold relief can help relieve those blocked-up feelings. Nasal sprays are used to treat chronic rhinitis, swelling, and inflammation of the nasal passages in the nose that causes nasal congestion and runny nose symptoms. Steroid nasal sprays can be purchased over the counter for runny noses and symptoms of hay fever. If you have a cold or flu with a stuffy nose that will not go away, ask your doctor or nurse practitioner about getting a prescription for steroid nasal spray. Your doctor will recommend that you take oral antihistamine pills to reduce your symptoms and make it easier to breathe — that is what they usually prescribe instead of nose sprays.

You can use the nasal spray for cold relief, but how do you use it?

While there are many different brands of nasal sprays with which to choose, they have the same general instructions. Read on to learn more about nasal sprays and how to use them.

Nasal sprays are used to treat many conditions, including allergies and colds. To use a nasal spray correctly, you will need to make sure the passageways are clear. Clear your nose with a tissue or by blowing your nose gently. Next, remove the cap covering the tip of the bottle and shake or prime the spray as needed.

Now take these steps:

When using a nasal spray, you will need to prime the pump first. This means you will pump 2 or 3 small sprays into the air, instead of into your nostril. After that, take these steps:

When using a nasal spray for the first time, make sure to prime the pump by shaking it and pushing it down on the pump several times until it releases a fine mist. To use, carefully insert the tip into one nostril. If you sense irritation or burning sensation, replace with a new bottle right away. After use, wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue.

The use of a nasal spray may take a little practice, but soon you will be sneezing less, and taking care of yourself when you feel sick.

Be sure to read the package directions and ask your doctor about how often you should use a nasal spray for cold relief.

When you use a nasal spray, lean slightly forward, and tilt your head downward. Close one nostril at a time by pressing against the side of your nose. Put the tip of the bottle into your other nostril, and start to breathe in through your nose. Release the medication while you breathe in; it will go into your nasal passage. Then snort deeply to make sure the medicine goes to the back of your throat and sinuses.

Nasal sprays may make your nose feel a little tingly or warm at first. That is normal and should go away in a couple of minutes. Do not swallow (or sniff) the medication, because it will not work as well if it does not reach the back of your nose.

Who should take precautions while using nasal sprays?

Nasal sprays cannot be used by everyone. For instance, they are not recommended for children under 6 months old, because they may have an increased risk of side effects. Before you start using a nasal spray, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes; thyroid problems, urinary problems from an enlarged prostate gland; or persistent or chronic nosebleeds.

Choose a nasal spray to relieve your stuffy nose. Some nasal sprays are approved for children 6 years of age or older and breastfeeding mothers. Others need a doctor’s prescription. If you have certain medical conditions, you may need to avoid these over-the-counter decongestants. Always read the label and follow the directions.

Certain people should not use nasal sprays for cold relief. These include people who already have high blood pressure or heart disease or women who are pregnant. In addition, people with an ongoing medical condition such as emphysema, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before using these products.

Nasal sprays are useful for colds and allergies. They can unclog your stuffy nose because they shrink the lining of swollen blood vessels in your nose, reducing pressure and congestion. Choose over-the-counter nasal sprays that contain ephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline. Do not use these sprays longer than recommended on the label; using them too much can irritate and make your symptoms worse.