Nasal Sprays

Treating Asthma Using Nasal Sprays: Nasonex, Flonase, Astelin and Nasacort

Treating Asthma Using Nasal Sprays

Allergy is the condition where your body reacts abnormally to foreign substances. Allergens are the factors that trigger an allergic reaction.

Symptoms mostly associated with allergy include:

  1. Coughing,
  2. Skin irritation,
  3. Wheezing,
  4. Watery eyes and
  5. A runny nose.

These symptoms can make you uncomfortable. You can use an allergy nasal spray which is recommended to relieve these symptoms.

Allergy Nasal Sprays

A nasal spray is a spray that is used to administer medicine through the nostrils. Nasal sprays are used to treat conditions such as nasal congestion and various allergy symptoms.

Allergy nasal sprays are specifically used to treat allergy symptoms. This design of administering allergy medicine is preferred because the medication is assimilated quickly and directly. Allergy nasal sprays act by inhibiting histamine. Histamine is a chemical released during an allergic attack.

There are different types of nasal sprays.

They include:

  1. Steroid nasal sprays - They improve breathing by reducing swelling in your nose. These sprays are normally the first to be recommended by doctors.
  2. Decongestant nasal sprays - These sprays work by shrinking blood vessels in your nose to ease congestion. They shouldn't be used for long though.
  3. Antihistamine sprays - They are a major reliever of congestion, running nose and sneezing. Anti-histamine sprays cause less drowsiness compared to pills.

Some of the allergy nasal sprays most recommended by doctors include Flonase, Nasonex, Astelin and Nasacort.

Nasonex Asthma Nasal Spray

Nasonex is categorized as a steroid nasal spray. Effects of Nasonex are not felt immediately. Relief may be felt 2 days after medication. It relieves congestion by removing nasal swelling.

Before using Nasonex, make sure to blow your nose gently. It should be used only as prescribed by your doctor. Nasonex has a number of side effects.

They include:

  • Headaches,
  • Sore throat,
  • Stuffy and runny nose,
  • Coughing.

For pregnant mothers, Nasonex should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. If you get pregnant in the course of using this nasal spray, consult your doctor. You may need to stop using it then.

Flonase Asthma Nasal Spray

Flonase is a nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms. It relieves allergy symptoms like running nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
It may take several days before your symptoms improve while using the Flonase nasal spray. Before using this spray, please inform your doctor of conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

Fluticasone, a component in Flonase, may weaken your body's immunity. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor of any infection you may have.

Flonase has a number of side effects and they include the following:

  • Nose bleeding and an itchy nose,
  • Nausea and vomiting,
  • Headache,
  • Coughing.

Astelin Asthma Nasal Spray

This belongs to nasal sprays under the anti-histamine category. This spray works by blocking histamine which is responsible for nasal blockage.

Unlike other types of sprays, the Astelin spray starts working 3 hours after administering. Do not use this spray if you are allergic to azelastine.

Astelin relieves allergic symptoms like running nose, watery and itchy eyes, among other allergy symptoms.
Astelin can be used by children and infants as young as 6 months, but under a doctor's direction.
Like most allergy nasal sprays, the Astelin nasal spray has a number of side effects.

They include the following:

  • Coughing,
  • Dizziness,
  • Rash,
  • Ear infection.

For optimum results, it is wise to use this spray as prescribed.

Nasacort Asthma Nasal Spray

This is a type of nasal spray used to treat and prevent allergy symptoms. This spray treats symptoms like sneezing, running nose and sore throat, among others. Effects from this spray are noticeable after a day. Full benefits will start being realized after a week of using this spray effectively.

It is not recommended for children less than 6 years. It is also recommended that you inform your doctor about other medical conditions you may be having.

Side effects

  • Nose bleeding,
  • Headache,
  • Heartburn,
  • Bronchitis.

Conclusion

Administering allergy medicine using an allergy nasal spray is highly recommended. This is mainly because smaller doses are used and the relief is quick and direct.

Like in any other medication, it is wise to consult with your doctor before using nasal sprays.

For desired results, use the nasal sprays as prescribed by the doctor. You should use the right dosage at the right time. Always.

The use of nasal sprays comes with a number of side effects. It is advisable to talk to your doctor if these symptoms worsen your allergy symptoms.

As observed above, with most nasal sprays, considerable changes are not instant. Continue to use your nasal spray for a number of days to get total relief.

Some components in these nasal sprays lower body immunity. It is advisable to tell your doctor of any infections you might have.

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