How To Correctly Use Nasal Spray

Knowing how to use nasal spray properly can be the difference between breathing easily and struggling against sniffles.

“Technique is very important with nose sprays,” explains allergist Mark Aronica, MD. “Sometimes, patients tell me their spray isn’t working. But when we improve their technique, it really helps.”

Dr. Aronica shares his tips for using these treatments.

Steps to properly use a nasal spray

Whether it’s a prescription medication or an over-the-counter decongestant, there are a few tricks that can help make sure you use a nasal spray correctly.

“Using the spray isn’t always as simple as it seems,” Dr. Aronica recognizes. “Correct positioning and technique are the keys to getting the best results.”

He breaks the process down step by step.

Before you begin

It’s not enough to know how to use a nasal inhaler — you need to know how to use your nasal inhaler. So, before you start spraying:

• Choose the right product. Steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays are designed to treat allergy symptoms and can be used long term. Decongestant nasal sprays are best for congestion caused by a cold or flu. They should only be used for a few days at a time to avoid the rebound effect.
• Make sure the spray is safe for you. While most people can safely use nasal sprays, your doctor or pharmacist may discourage it if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism, or if you’re taking other medications. Ditto if your nasal passages are badly damaged.
• Read the directions. If the product instructions direct you to do so, squirt out a small amount of medicine before using it for the first time. This is called “priming” a nasal inhaler. You only need to do this once.
• Shake the nasal spray well.
• Wash your hands. Scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Before applying, gently blow your nose. This will empty your nasal passages and clear the way for the medicine.

Now, you’re ready to go.

Applying the spray

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To properly use your nasal inhaler:

1. Position the bottle opening slightly inside your right nostril.
2. Keep your head level, rather than tilting it backward or forward. “You don’t want the nasal spray dripping down the back of your throat or dripping out your nose,” Dr. Aronica notes.
3. Aim the spray slightly away from the center of your nose toward the outside of your right eye. “Never direct the spray toward the middle portion of your nose — the nasal septum,” Dr. Aronica stresses. “It can damage the tissue, and you can end up with irritation or a bloody nose.”
4. Gently squeeze or pump the bottle once and, with your mouth closed, inhale gently. Inhaling too forcefully sends the medicine to the back of your throat, which won’t do you any good. “Usually, the pump action is enough to drive the spray into your nose and sinus,” Dr. Aronica says.
5. Put the nozzle tip into the left nostril, pointing in toward the outside of your left eye. Spray once, following the same procedure you used on the right-hand side.
6. If your instructions call for spraying the product more than once, alternate nostrils.

After you spray

It’s also important to know how to clean and store your nasal spray. For starters, keep it (and any nasal bacteria you may be harboring) to yourself. Once you’ve stuck something in your nose, it shouldn’t go in anyone else’s!

“Keep the bottle clean and only allow one person to use it,” Dr. Aronica urges. “Remember to wipe down the nasal spray bottle and put the cap back on after each use.”

Another tip: Check the product instructions to be sure you’re storing it properly. Occasionally, some types of compounded and prescription nasal sprays need to be refrigerated.

Many over-the-counter nasal spray manufacturers recommend discarding their products within 30 to 90 days of opening them, even if the expiration date is still months or years away. That way, you don’t risk using a product with degraded or contaminated ingredients.

Always check the instructions on the label for specific guidance. And when in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.