How To Use Steroid Nasal Sprays

This article will be useful for those that have been prescribed with steroid nasal sprays (e.g. Avamys, Nasonex, Nasocort, etc) for allergic rhinitis or other nasal conditions. There is actually a specific way of administering the nasal spray to maximise the effectiveness of this medication.

Preparing the new device:

Steps	Description
1	Shake the nasal spray gently and remove the cap.
2	Hold the device upright by placing your middle finger and index finger on the shoulders of the nasal spray, while holding the bottom of the spray with your thumb. Press downwards on the counter until a clear and consistent mist appears. The device is now ready for use. Some nasal spray comes with a button at the side instead (see below image on the right). For such device, hold it upright and press the button at the side firmly all the way in until a clear and consistent mist is seen.
3	If unused for more than 2 weeks, reprime by spraying 2 times or until a clear and consistent mist appears.

Example of 2 different types of nasal sprays:

Administering the medication:

Steps	Description
1	Shake the nasal spray and remove the cap.
2	Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils before use. Use one finger to close off one of the nostrils.
3	Tilt your head slightly forward, keep the bottle upright and insert the spray into the other nostril.
4	Point the nozzle slightly away from the centre of the nose (towards the ears) for the medication to reach the correct part of the nose. Pointing it to the wrong part may increase the risk of nose bleed.
5	Start to breathe in slowly through your nose and at the same time, press down once on the device to release one spray. For devices that come up with button at the side, press the button at the side firmly all the way in as you breathe in through your nose.
6	Remove the nozzle and breathe out through the mouth.
7	Repeat Steps 3 to 5 in the other nostril.
8	Wipe the spray with a clean tissue or cloth. Put the cap back to its original position.