What do nasal sprays do

Along with that comes common minor side effects, too. These can include a bitter smell or taste, sneezing, runny nose and nasal irritation, including burning and stinging.

If you experience any major side effects, including a change in heart rate, tremors, unusual sweating or persistent nosebleeds, consult your doctor. If this happens, your doctor may suggest you stop using the spray for several weeks to reverse this effect.

While nasal congestion can be easily treated with an over-the-counter nasal spray, using the spray is not as simple as it might seem. Learn more about vaccine availability.

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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Basics of Use. Side Effects. You can use these instructions for using nasal spray yourself. To help your nasal spray work well, follow these instructions and any directions on the nasal spray label or from your doctor or pharmacist. These steps can help you use your nasal spray easily and safely.

You may be worried about nasal spray addiction if you find yourself repeatedly reaching for your decongestant.

Could it be rebound congestion instead? Nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. In short, this occurs when the medication squeezes blood from your nasal tissues. It seems like you…. Do not use it continuously for more than a month without speaking to a doctor. If you're taking a prescription spray, do not stop using it unless the doctor advises you to do so. You may need to reduce your dose gradually. This can help avoid unpleasant side effects withdrawal symptoms , such as severe tiredness, joint pain , being sick and dizziness.

Steroid nasal sprays do not usually cause any significant side effects if used correctly and at normal doses. If you're taking a high dose for a long time, there's also a small chance you could get some of the side effects of steroid tablets , such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping. You can report any suspected side effect to the Yellow Card Scheme. Some medicines can interfere with the way steroid nasal sprays work, although this is uncommon.

Check the leaflet that comes with your spray to see if it could be affected by other medicines. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure. You can usually drink alcohol while using a steroid nasal spray and you do not normally need to avoid any particular foods.