Nasal sprays are medications that a person sprays up their nose. Typically, to use a nasal spray a person inserts the nozzle tip into a nostril, then breathes in gently as they spray the medication into the nostril.

Using a nasal spray allows the medicine to quickly act on the nasal passages and help reduce inflammation. Using the correct technique for nasal sprays enables the medication to work more effectively. It can also help reduce the risk of potential side effects, such as nose bleeds, irritation, and soreness. Typically a person may use nasal sprays to help manage allergies and hayfever.

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Before using the nasal spray, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this may involve shaking the bottle before use and priming the nasal spray if it is new or if a person has not used it for 2 weeks or more. Priming describes spraying the bottle into the air a few times, until a fine mist comes out.

Although nasal sprays may vary slightly in shape or size, the technique for using them remains the same.

To use a nasal spray a person can:

  1. Blow their nose gently to make sure the nostrils are as clear as possible, and then wash their hands.
  2. Shake the nasal spray, remove the cap, and prime the nasal spray if necessary.
  3. Hold the bottle with the index and middle finger at the top, and the thumb at the bottom.
  4. Tilt the head forward slightly and place the nozzle just inside the nostril. A person may find it easier to hold the nasal spray in the opposite hand to the nostril into which they are going to use the spray. This will also help to direct the spray away from the septum, which is the middle part inside the nose. Some brands may recommend blocking the other nostril with a finger, while others suggest keeping the other nostril open.
  5. Press the spray to release the medication and breathe in gently and steadily through the nose. Do not sniff hard, as this can cause the medication to travel past the nose and into the throat.
  6. Remove the nasal spray from the nostril and breathe out through the mouth.
  7. Repeat the above steps for the other nostril.
  8. After spraying both nostrils, a person should wipe the nozzle so it is clean and replace the cap.

Additional tips for using a nasal spray can include:

  • drinking water or a flavored drink if a person experiences an unpleasant taste after using nasal medications
  • if bleeding or soreness occur, recheck the instructions and ensure to direct the spray away from the septum
  • avoid using decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row, as this can make decongestion worse

If a person experiences side effects, or a worsening of symptoms, it may be advisable to consult a doctor.

A person can use a nasal spray for a variety of reasons. Many different types of nasal sprays are available to help provide relief for different symptoms. Usually, a nasal spray can help provide relief nasal decongestion, or to treat specific conditions that affect the nasal passages. These can include:

There are many different types of nasal sprays available, which include:

Steroid sprays

Also known as corticosteroid sprays, these sprays are anti-inflammatory medicines that a person sprays into their nose. They decrease inflammation within the nasal passages and can help relieve symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Typically, a doctor may recommend nasal steroid sprays to help manage hay fever, sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps.

Antihistamine sprays

Antihistamine sprays work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance that causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. As such, a doctor may recommend antihistamine sprays to manage allergic rhinitis.

Combination sprays

Typically only available by prescription, these nasal sprays contain both a nasal steroid and antihistamine.

Anticholinergic sprays

Anticholinergic sprays can help relieve a runny nose that occurs due to allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. These nasal sprays work by blocking the action of acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter that stimulates nasal mucus production. As such, these sprays help to reduce the amount of discharge from the nasal passages.

Cromolyn sodium sprays

Cromolyn sodium acts on immune cells known as mast cells. It helps to prevent the release of inflammatory substances and can help treat symptoms of allergies like sneezing or a runny nose.

Decongestant sprays

Decongestant nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and provide relieve from decongestion. They work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces inflammation, allowing for better airflow and drainage of mucus.

Saline sprays

Saline nasal sprays contain a mixture of salt and water. They can help to thin mucus and flush out irritants and debris, such as dust or pollen. As such, they can help clear nasal congestion, moisturize dry nasal passages, and cleanse the nostrils.

Nasal sprays are medications that people administer up their nostrils. Using the proper technique for nasal sprays is essential for using them effectively.

Generally, people should prepare the nasal spray before use, then gently insert the nozzle into their nostril. They should then direct the nozzle away from the septum, press the spray to release the medication, then breathe in gently and steadily through the nose.