Steroid nasal sprays are often an effective treatment option for the one out of every five people affected by seasonal allergies. Nasal steroids, when taken as prescribed by a doctor, are non-addictive and an effective treatment for the nasal symptoms of pollen-based, seasonal allergies. These medications work by preventing sinus drainage. Steroid nasal sprays may also be used to treat chronic sinusitis.
What are pollen allergies? Pollen allergies are caused by windborne pollens in trees, flowers, plants, grasses and weeds. Seasonal allergies, which occur at times of the year when pollen counts are highest, may cause symptoms such as:
For those that experience nasal symptoms of pollen related seasonal allergies, steroid nasal sprays may effectively alleviate symptoms.
Nasal steroid sprays must be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. If overused, the body's adrenal glands may stop producing natural (and needed) steroids. Also, the process of tapering off from steroid nasal sprays may be lengthy with patients feeling tired, dizzy and lightheaded. Using steroid nasal sprays, and stopping usage, should be done under specific doctor's instructions. Steroid nasal sprays, unlike over the counter nasal sprays, do not cause dependency, even with long-term use.
Nasal sprays are effective in treating nasal allergy symptoms because they treat the problem specifically in the nasal tissues. Sprays act quickly and are not slowly carried to inflamed tissues through your digestive and circulatory system like pills.
Although usually mild, many side effects can occur with steroid nasal sprays. Possible side effects include:
Recent research has indicated that people who use nasal steroid sprays to treat pollen allergy symptoms have an increased risk of having migraine headaches. Although a link between nasal allergies and headaches already exists, use of steroid nasal sprays may increase this risk.
If you believe you have been exposed to chicken pox or measles while using a steroid nasal spray, talk to your doctor immediately. Using steroid nasal sprays can lower your body's resistance and may cause serious infection.
Examples of steroid nasal sprays your doctor may prescribe include:
Allergy pills may be an effective alternative to steroid nasal sprays. Other non-medicinal options include saline nasal washes and irrigators. Talk to your doctor or allergist about other options for treatment of nasal seasonal allergy symptoms.
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Medical News Today. (2007). Steroid nasal sprays relieve sinusitis symptoms, review finds. Retrieved March 14, 2009, from the Medical News Today Web site http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68539.php.
Reuters Health. (2009). Nasal spray may trigger migraine. Retrieved March 14, 2009, from the Medline Plus Web site http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_81228.html.
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