Nasal steroid spraysare used to treat chronicsinusitisand allergies that affect your breathing, likehay fever.
They can also be used to treat snoring andnasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages.
Both the short-term and long-term use of nasal steroid sprays are thought to largely be safe forchildrenand adults alike.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
However, they are not without side effects.
It also walks you through when to talk to your healthcare provider about them.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
What Is Steroid Nasal Spray?
Intranasal corticosteroidsare synthetic versions of hormones that are naturally produced in theadrenal glands.
Better known as steroid nasal sprays, these drugs come in liquid form that is misted into the nostril.
Steroid nasal sprays are used to treat inflammation in your sinuses.
These are the hollow spaces in your head that connect with the passages in your nose.
Steroid nasal sprays are not the same asanabolic steroids, drugs that some people use to encourage muscle building.
Thats especially true if you have just started using nasal steroid sprays for allergies.
More rarely, they can be up higher in your nostrils.
These symptoms can occur right after you use the nasal spray or days afterward.
Though they are less common, some side effects involve your eyes and sinuses.
These may occur right away or even days after use.
Such side effects include:
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.
They may advise you to stop using your nasal steroid spray for a few days.
They also may adjust your dose or change your treatment.
They can range from dryness and itching, to headaches and nosebleeds.
However, be sure to see a healthcare provider if you think you may be experiencing any.
These are rare and usually occur after long-term use.
Nasal steroid spray use may have a small impact on a childs vertical growth.
This risk increases when the steroids are used for an extended time.
Other studies have found no significant effect on growth.
How Technique Affects Your Risk
Proper technique is very important.
you could avoid these side effects by knowing the correct way to use the spray and applicator.
Basic steps include:
Youll want to be sure it’s possible for you to breathe well before use.
The drug cant reach the sinuses if you cant breathe it in through your nostrils.
If you use them, then annual eye exams by an optometrist orophthalmologist(eye specialists) are recommended.
This is more likely if you use the sprays often over a long period of time.
Using a steroid nasal spray the wrong way can cause side effects, so always follow product instructions.
Summary
Nasal steroid sprays will often bring relief for symptoms related to allergies and chronic sinusitis.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe one for you.
Other nasal steroid sprays are available as over-the-counter drugs.
If you are new to using them, its important to know that they can lead to side effects.
In many cases, you will experience symptoms of these side effects in and around the nose.
Its important that you know the proper technique when using nasal sprays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no.
They are thought to be safe and effective for treating allergy symptoms in both adults and children.
But they do have side effects that tend to increase with long-term use.
Some health conditions can put you at greater risk.
Nasal steroid spray can cause irritation, redness, and other symptoms in and around your nose.
These effects can increase with long-term use.
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