Nasal sprays can treat congestion and other symptoms ofseasonal allergiesor acold.
They work by delivering a fine mist of medication into your nostrils.
Nasal sprays are available by prescription or over the counter (OTC).
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
Most products come in a hand-operated pump bottle or squeeze bottle.
Types of Nasal Sprays
There are many OTC and prescription nasal sprays to choose from.
OTC nasal sprays for congestion and allergies are popular products at pharmacies, groceries, and other retailers.
There are also other nasal sprays that deliver vaccines to prevent illness or medication to help manage it.
There are three main types of nasal sprays:
Can I Use OTC Nasal Sprays for COVID?
Researchers are still looking into this and whether these sprays are safe for people with COVID.
However, some nasal sprays may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
A drink of water or juice should help scrub the aftertaste.
Check Expiration Dates
Never use a nasal spray after the expiration date on the bottle.
Liquid medication can easily be contaminated with dirt or bacteria.
Nasal Spray Side Effects and Risks
Nasal sprays can causeside effects.
However, the product labels usually include warnings for people in these groups just to be safe.
Can nasal spray damage your nose?
If your blood pressure is typically high, ask your provider before using any nasal spray.
This is calledrhinitis medicamentosaorrebound congestion.
This is why certain nasal sprays (like Afrin and Neo-Synephrine) make these symptoms better.
If you overuse nasal sprays, you might need a metered-dose gear called aRhinostatto wean you off the medication.
In severe cases, it can cause a condition called saddle nose deformity (a collapsed nasal bridge).
Can you overdose on nasal spray?
Overdosing on nasal spray is not common but cases have been reported.
If this happens, you should call poison control and seek emergency care.
Summary
Nasal sprays can relieve congestion and other symptoms of allergies and colds.
you might get nasal sprays over-the-counter (OTC) or as a prescription from your provider.
Overusing nasal sprays can also lead to rebound congestion.
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