Nasal spray
Encyclopedia
Nasal sprays come in a variety of forms. Medicated such as Astelin, Afrin and Nasonex and natural such as Sinusoothe and Sterimar. Although delivery methods vary, most nasal sprays function by instilling a fine mist into the nostril by action of a hand-operated pump
mechanism.
is a chemical naturally produced by the body which creates an inflammatory effect to help the immune system remove foreign substances. Antihistamines work by competing for receptor sites to block the function of histamine, thereby reducing the inflammatory effect. These products have gained popularity with sufferers of allergic rhinitis
.
Astelin (azelastin hydrocholoride) and Patanase (olopatadine hydrochloride) are the only antihistamines available as a nasal spray in the United States and are available by prescription only. In Australia Telnase (Triamcinolone acetonide) and livostin (Levocabastine hydrochloride) are the most popular products currently on the market and are available over-the-counter
.
hydrochloride decongestant
nasal sprays such as Afrin and Vicks Sinex
, along with phenylephrine
hydrochloride nasal sprays such as Neo Synephrine and Dristan, which are available over-the-counter
in the United States and the UK, work to very quickly open up nasal passages by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
Prolonged use of these types of sprays can damage the delicate mucous membranes in the nose. This causes increased inflammation, an effect known as rhinitis medicamentosa
, or the "rebound effect
". As a result, decongestant nasal sprays are advised for short-term use only,preferably 5 to 7 days at maximum. However a recent clinical trial has shown that fluticasone which is a corticosteroid nasal spray may be useful in reversing this condition.. Natural nasal sprays may also be helpful in this regard however no clinical trials have been carried out to date.
sprays such as Otrivin Saline, Sterimar are also common and are typically unmedicated. A mist of saline solution is delivered to help moisturize dry or irritated nostrils. See also nasal irrigation
. They can also relieve nasal congestion and remove airborne irritants such as pollen, dust etc. thereby providing sinus allergy relief. The solution can be either isotonic or hypertonic. Isotonic solutions have the same salt concentration as the human body whereas hypertonic solutions have a higher salt content. Hypertonic solutions may be more useful at drawing moisture from the mucus membrane and relieving nasal congestion.
Nasal salves have been shown to alleviate respiratory discomfort caused by the increased dryness of air in pressurized air flight and some air conditioned offices (sick building syndrome
) They have been shown to reduce susceptibility to various flight related respiratory infections.
Natural Nasal Sprays
containing capsaicin
, tea tree
and turmeric
such as Sinus Buster
, Sinol and SinuSoothe are being used by sinusitis, rhinitis and allergy sufferers to relieve nasal symptoms.
or allergist will prescribe several types of nasal sprays in combination with each other or with other drugs. For example, a decongestant
spray is often advised for the first few days of treatment in conjunction with an antihistamine or steroidal spray. The quick-acting effects of the decongestant allow for better initial delivery of the other sprays.
Pump
A pump is a device used to move fluids, such as liquids, gases or slurries.A pump displaces a volume by physical or mechanical action. Pumps fall into three major groups: direct lift, displacement, and gravity pumps...
mechanism.
Antihistamine nasal sprays
Excessive histamine function is the primary cause of allergic reactions in people. HistamineHistamine
Histamine is an organic nitrogen compound involved in local immune responses as well as regulating physiological function in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter. Histamine triggers the inflammatory response. As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by...
is a chemical naturally produced by the body which creates an inflammatory effect to help the immune system remove foreign substances. Antihistamines work by competing for receptor sites to block the function of histamine, thereby reducing the inflammatory effect. These products have gained popularity with sufferers of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, also known as pollenosis or hay fever, is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways.It occurs when an allergen, such as pollen, dust or animal dander is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system...
.
Astelin (azelastin hydrocholoride) and Patanase (olopatadine hydrochloride) are the only antihistamines available as a nasal spray in the United States and are available by prescription only. In Australia Telnase (Triamcinolone acetonide) and livostin (Levocabastine hydrochloride) are the most popular products currently on the market and are available over-the-counter
Over-the-counter drug
Over-the-counter drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional, as compared to prescription drugs, which may be sold only to consumers possessing a valid prescription...
.
Topical decongestant nasal sprays
OxymetazolineOxymetazoline
Oxymetazoline is a selective alpha-1 agonist and partial alpha-2 agonist topical decongestant, used in the form of Oxymetazoline hydrochloride, in products such as Afrin, Dristan, Nasivin, Logicin, Vicks Sinex, Visine L.R., Sudafed OM, and Zicam. It was developed from Xylometazoline at E.Merck...
hydrochloride decongestant
Decongestant
A decongestant or nasal decongestant is a type of drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion.-Pharmacology:The vast majority of decongestants act via enhancing norepinephrine and epinephrine or adrenergic activity by stimulating the α-adrenergic receptors...
nasal sprays such as Afrin and Vicks Sinex
Vicks Sinex
Vicks Sinex is a brand of topical nasal decongestant spray produced by Vicks, a division of Procter & Gamble. The active ingredient contained in the Sinex nasal spray is Oxymetazoline which acts to relieve blocked nasal passages. The recommended dosage is 2–3 sprays in each nostril every 10–12...
, along with phenylephrine
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a selective α1-adrenergic receptor agonist used primarily as a decongestant, as an agent to dilate the pupil, and to increase blood pressure...
hydrochloride nasal sprays such as Neo Synephrine and Dristan, which are available over-the-counter
Over-the-counter drug
Over-the-counter drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional, as compared to prescription drugs, which may be sold only to consumers possessing a valid prescription...
in the United States and the UK, work to very quickly open up nasal passages by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
Prolonged use of these types of sprays can damage the delicate mucous membranes in the nose. This causes increased inflammation, an effect known as rhinitis medicamentosa
Rhinitis medicamentosa
Rhinitis medicamentosa is a condition of rebound nasal congestion brought on by extended use of topical decongestants that work by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.-Presentation:This condition typically occurs after 5 to 7 days of use of such medications...
, or the "rebound effect
Rebound effect
The rebound effect, or rebound phenomenon, is the tendency of some medications, when discontinued suddenly, to cause a return of the symptoms it relieved, and that, to a degree stronger than they were before treatment first began...
". As a result, decongestant nasal sprays are advised for short-term use only,preferably 5 to 7 days at maximum. However a recent clinical trial has shown that fluticasone which is a corticosteroid nasal spray may be useful in reversing this condition.. Natural nasal sprays may also be helpful in this regard however no clinical trials have been carried out to date.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Nasonex and Rhinocort can be used to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis. They can reduce inflammation and histamine production in the nasal passages thereby relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sinus pain, headaches etc. They have been clinically proven however they can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea and nose bleeds.Natural nasal sprays
SalineSaline (medicine)
In medicine, saline is a general term referring to a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water but is only sterile when it is to be placed intravenously, otherwise, a saline solution is a salt water solution...
sprays such as Otrivin Saline, Sterimar are also common and are typically unmedicated. A mist of saline solution is delivered to help moisturize dry or irritated nostrils. See also nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage or nose douche is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses. The practice is well-tolerated and beneficial with only minor side effects...
. They can also relieve nasal congestion and remove airborne irritants such as pollen, dust etc. thereby providing sinus allergy relief. The solution can be either isotonic or hypertonic. Isotonic solutions have the same salt concentration as the human body whereas hypertonic solutions have a higher salt content. Hypertonic solutions may be more useful at drawing moisture from the mucus membrane and relieving nasal congestion.
Nasal salves have been shown to alleviate respiratory discomfort caused by the increased dryness of air in pressurized air flight and some air conditioned offices (sick building syndrome
Sick building syndrome
Sick building syndrome is a combination of ailments associated with an individual's place of work or residence. A 1984 World Health Organization report into the syndrome suggested up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be linked to symptoms of SBS...
) They have been shown to reduce susceptibility to various flight related respiratory infections.
Natural Nasal Sprays
Natural nasal sprays
A non-prescription medicated nasal spray can be used by sinusitis, hayfever, cold, allergy and rhinitis sufferers to relieve their symptoms. SinuSoothe, Sinus Buster and Sinol are being used as alternatives to over the counter decongestant and steroid nasal sprays....
containing capsaicin
Capsaicin
Capsaicin 2CHCH=CH4CONHCH2C6H3-4--3- ) is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact...
, tea tree
Tea tree
Tea tree or Ti-tree is a popular name that has been applied to a number of different, unrelated plants:*Camellia sinensis , from which black, green, oolong and white tea are all obtained....
and turmeric
Turmeric
Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive...
such as Sinus Buster
Sinus Buster
Sinus Buster is a brand of nasal spray that is available over-the-counter in the United States. It is used to ease nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and sinus headache...
, Sinol and SinuSoothe are being used by sinusitis, rhinitis and allergy sufferers to relieve nasal symptoms.
Nasal spray flu immunization
Combined use
Frequently, a doctorPhysician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
or allergist will prescribe several types of nasal sprays in combination with each other or with other drugs. For example, a decongestant
Decongestant
A decongestant or nasal decongestant is a type of drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion.-Pharmacology:The vast majority of decongestants act via enhancing norepinephrine and epinephrine or adrenergic activity by stimulating the α-adrenergic receptors...
spray is often advised for the first few days of treatment in conjunction with an antihistamine or steroidal spray. The quick-acting effects of the decongestant allow for better initial delivery of the other sprays.