Doctor shares 'correct' way to use nasal spray for instant relief
With cases of respiratory illnesses on the rise, one doctor has shared the 'most effective' technique for using nasal sprays, as many Brits are using the medicine incorrectly.
Nasal sprays are directed into the nose, and are often used to relieve symptoms of allergies and colds, including congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Paediatrician and allergist Dr Zachary Rubin has warned of a common mistake people are making when using the spray, especially if you can "taste" the medicine.
Taking to TikTok, under the username @rubin_allergy, he said: "The problem with the spray is that it can be very bitter and so if you don’t take it properly, it may not work as well. But also you could taste it and it could be really nauseating."
The expert follows the rule: "If you taste it, you waste it." He then shared the correct method for using nasal sprays, which starts with priming the bottle a couple of times.
"In most cases people will just point the spray in any type of direction, but it’s really important to put it in the right way to reduce the chance of nosebleeds or tasting it," he explained.
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Once you're ready to start using the nasal spray, lean your head forward slightly so your nose is facing your toes. Instead of directing the nozzle straight up or in the middle, tilt it towards the ear on the same side. If the nozzle is in the left nostril, it should be directed towards the left ear.
Spray once on each side and repeat this process twice. Adults should have two sprays in each nostril, while children should just have one. According to the Children’s Allergy Doctors, nasal sprays to relieve sinus congestion and pressure should not be given to children under six years of age.
Instead of sucking the medicine up your nose, Dr Rubin suggests breathing normally and moving your head back and forth to prevent it dripping out or proceeding down your throat. In response to the helpful video, followers rushed to the comments to share their thoughts. One user penned: "Thank you for showing how it should be done. I’m always tasting Flonase and wondering why it didn’t work." Another shared: "I have been doing it wrong for years!"
A third wrote: "I’ve never had success with sprays before. No one has ever taught me the proper way to use them. I did this method by accident this morning and am glad it know why it minimised the taste!"
It’s important not to overuse nasal sprays for too long as this can actually worsen congestion and stuffiness instead of preventing it - this is called 'rebound congestion', also known as rhinitis medicamentosa. Dr Matthew Calcasola, Chief Medical Officer at said: "Decongestant sprays work by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This reduces inflammation in the nose and helps you breathe easier.
"However, when the drug wears off, your nasal blood vessels swell up again, causing immediate withdrawal congestion. This withdrawal symptom makes it difficult for some users to come off nasal sprays after three days of recommended use."
When people become dependant on decongestant nasal sprays, these can lead to negative side effects, including:
Dry irritated throat
Stinging or burning sensations in the nose
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Three-quarters of workers will still go into work even if they have a cold
feeling restless or agitated
Nausea
Dizziness
Headaches.
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