Nasal (or nose) spray is commonly used to treat breathing-related ailments such as the common cold, allergies, upper respiratory-tract infections, effects of air pollution, and sinus problems. Nasal sprays provide quick relief from nasal congestion and nasal blockage. They are available over-the-counter or by prescription and both types usually consist of a solution or suspension of medicine, such as an antihistamine or corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and allergic reaction.

In some cases, nasal sprays are used to deliver medicines to other parts of the body in order to treat conditions other than respiratory ones, including diabetes, bone loss, and even bedwetting; however, these are not the focus of standard nasal sprays. The reason nasal sprays work well for medicinal distribution is because the nose consists of many blood vessels, which absorb and deliver medicine quickly through the blood stream to target organs.

There are two types of nasal spray: a pressurized canister and bottle-pump. A canister is an upright device containing highly pressurized air particles, which contain the medicinal solution. The bottle-pump is a similar-looking device, which relies on a patient squeezing the bottle in order to deliver the medicine into his or her nostril. In each type, a simple compression delivers the nasal spray into the nostril.

Steps to using pressurized nasal spray

Step 1 – Gently blow the nose clear of mucus.

Step 2 – Attach the canister into its holder and shake several times.

Step 3 – Position the canister upright, ready for use, and fully breathe out.

Step 4 – Insert the canister into one nostril and close the other with a finger.

Step 5 – Begin breathing slowly through the open nostril and press down on the canister.

Step 6 – Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the other nostril. Do not blow the nose or sneeze for a few minutes while the spray absorbs.

Step 1 – Gently blow the nose clear of mucus.

Step 2 – Open the bottle and shake the solution many times. If the nasal spray is new, it needs to be sprayed several times into the air until a fine mist exits the bottle.

Step 3 – Breathing out slowly, a patient should tilt his or her head toward the bottle.

Step 4 – A patient should grip the bottle with a thumb at its base and two fingers on top, as if the hand is about to crush the bottle with a pinch.  The tip should enter one nostril, and the other nostril should be closed with a free hand.

Step 5 – Breathe in gently through the nose while squeezing the pump into the nostril; this releases the medicine.

Step 6 – Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the other nostril. Wait to blow the nose or sneeze a few minutes, while the nasal spray takes effect.

A nasal spray can take up to two weeks to start showing its effect. Before using a spray, a patient should make sure that he or she can breathe through both nostrils enough that the medicine will enter deeply and be absorbed by the blood vessels; if a patient cannot breathe deeply enough, the medicine will be wasted. When using a spray, a patient should hold the nozzle straight into the nostril or else, again, the medicine will be wasted; additionally, in a tilted position, the nose might become irritated.

Washing the canister every week for reuse will keep it sterile. Remember that, in the case of a pump spray, the medicine should not drip through the nose or be felt dripping along the back of the throat; this indicates the spray was not used correctly and needs to be reapplied. A patient should discontinue using the spray and consult a doctor immediately if he or she experiences side effects, such as nose bleeding or pain or irritation in the nose. Sometimes, using a saline nasal spray before using the medicinal spray will help ease irritation or pain. A patient should use a nasal spray regularly, consistently, and only as instructed by his or her doctor. Nasal spray should never be shared. Finally, sprays should not be exposed to direct sunlight because this can increase pressure in a canister spray and alter the chemical composition of a suspension-spray.

Nasal sprays should be used only with a doctor’s prescription or as directed by labeling on over-the-counter versions. Misusing a nasal spray can result in complications and may even worsen the symptoms it is meant to alleviate, such as breathing complications and respiratory inflammations. Overusing nasal spray can also result in an addiction; the addict might suffer frequent nasal congestion that will not end until he or she discontinues the spray. Using nasal spray wisely and only as directed by professionals will prevent any adverse effects misusing the spray can have.