Have you heard someone saying that nasal sprays don't work for them? Or did they hurt their nose while using a nasal spray?
Well, it could be due to the incorrect use of nasal sprays.
Nasal sprays are used to deliver the medicine directly into the nose for quick action. Many medicines are given as nasal sprays. The most common ones are the saline solution, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and corticosteroids.
Most of us have used nasal sprays of different kinds, but very few know the right technique to use them. Not using a nasal spray properly can lead to either overdose or under-dose of the medicine. Under-dosing can make you feel that the medicine doesn't work at all while overdosing can cause excess dose administration, which can be harmful.
So, let’s see the right way to use a nasal spray.
Nasal sprays are generally present in either squeeze bottles or pump bottles. Here we will be seeing how to use both nasal spray bottles.
- Pump-based nasal sprays:
Before using any spray, make sure you wash your hands and blow the nose gently to remove any mucus if present.
Step 1: Hold the nasal spray with your forefinger, middle finger and thumb. Keep the forefinger and middle finger at the sides of the nasal spray and the thumb at the bottom of the nasal spray to provide support.
Step 2: Shake the nasal spray bottle gently before using the spray.
Step 3: Priming the nasal spray. If you are using the nasal spray for the first time or after a few days or weeks gap, prime it before use. For priming, keep the nasal spray away from your face and press the spray until you get a fine mist or continuous flow of solution.
Step 4: Slightly tilt your head forward. Close one nostril with your finger and insert the tip of the spray into the other nostril. Breathe in normally through your nose, and while breathing in press the spray.
Breathe out through your mouth. Continue to breathe in and breathe out 3-4 times before using the spray in the other nostril.
Note: When using a nasal spray, spray the solution or medicine towards the outer portion of the nostril (i.e., away from the septum that divides your nose into 2 halves) to prevent nose bleeds.
Step 5: Clean the tip of the bottle after each use.
- Squeeze-based nasal sprays:
Wash your hands and blow the nose gently to remove any mucus if present.
Step 1: Hold the nasal spray bottle from the center.
Step 2: Lean forward and insert the nozzle of the spray into one nostril.
Step 3: Squeeze the bottle in the center while breathing in slowly. Remove the nozzle from the nostril before releasing the pressure. Breathe out through your mouth.
Step 4: Repeat the same steps for the other nostril.
Step 5: Clean and dry the nozzle before putting the cap.
Note: When using a nasal spray, spray the solution or medicine towards the outer portion of the nostril (i.e., away from the septum that divides your nose into 2 halves) to prevent nose bleeds.
Do not share your nasal spray with others, as it can increase the chances of contamination and infection. Write your name on the nasal spray bottle, so it is not mixed up with others.
Difference between pump-based and squeeze-based nasal sprays:
The main difference between pump and squeeze-based nasal sprays is that pump nasal sprays provide uniform dosing of the medicine.
- Based on dosing: When you are using a squeeze-based nasal spray, the position of the head and the nasal spray plays a very important role in drug dosing. This is not the case in pump-based nasal sprays.
According to a study, the amount of medicine delivered in squeeze-based nasal sprays largely depends on the position of the head and the nasal spray. The dose of the medicine in people who used the nasal spray with their heads titled upside and inverted nasal spray (upside-down) had 10 times more dose than in people who used the nasal sprays with heads titled down and upright (straight) nasal spray. This 10 times more amount of dose can cause overdose-related side effects.
At the same time, pump-based nasal spray ensures uniform dosing irrespective of the position of the head and nasal spray.
- Priming: Priming is not required in squeeze-based nasal sprays, which is an important step in pump-based nasal sprays.
So, next time you are using a nasal spray, use it properly to get the maximum benefits.
