Refers to a hand operated nose spray pump releasing a fine mist of nasal spray.
Nasal sprays come in a variety of forms: medicated and natural.
Most nasal sprays function by instilling a fine mist into the nostril by action of a hand-operated pump
Antihistamine nasal sprays: Histamine creates an inflammatory effect to help the immune system remove foreign substances and antihistamines compete for receptor sites to block the function of histamine reducing the inflammatory effect.
Antihistamine nasal sprays are used for allergic rhinitis.
Astelin (azelastin hydrocholoride) and Patanase (olopatadine hydrochloride) are the only antihistamines available as a nasal spray.
Topical decongestant nasal sprays Oxymetazoline hydrochloride decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin and Vicks Sinex, along with phenylephrine hydrochloride nasal sprays such as Neo Synephrine and Dristan, work open up nasal passages by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
Prolonged use of these decongestant nasal sprays can damage the mucous membranes in the nose causing increased inflammation, a process known as rhinitis medicamentosa, or the “rebound effect”.
Decongestant nasal sprays are advised for short-term use only, preferably 5 to 7 days at maximum.
A corticosteroid nasal spray, may be useful in reversing rhinitis medicamentosa.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation and histamine production in the nasal passages.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can relieve nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, sinus pain, and headaches.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can cause side headaches, nausea and nose bleeds.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays include:
Mometasone (Nasonex)
Budesonide nasal spray (Rhinocort Aqua)
Fluticasone propionate (Flonase)
Flunisolide nasal solution (Nasarel, Nasalide)
Beclomethasone dipropionate (Beconase, Vancenase)
Triamcinolone acetonide Nasacort)
Fluticasone furoate nasal spray (Veramyst) Ciclesonide (Omnaris)
Saline sprays are typically unmedicated and deliver a mist of saline to help moisturize dry or irritated nostrils providing nasal irrigation.
Saline sprays can relieve nasal congestion and remove airborne irritants.
Saline sprays can be either isotonic or hypertonic.
Hypertonic solutions may better draw moisture from the mucus membranes and relieve nasal congestion.
Nasal salves alleviate respiratory discomfort caused by the increased dryness of air in pressurized air flight and some air conditioned offices.
Nasal salves have the potential to reduce susceptibility to flight related respiratory infections.
A combination of nasal sprays may increase efficacy of symptomatic treatment.