How to Use Nasal Sprays Effectively

Nasal sprays are commonly recommended for treating hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Correct technique will ensure that the medication is delivered to the nasal passage effectively to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip.

Following the checklist below will help you get the best results from your nasal spray.

1. Blow nose gently
2. Shake nasal spray gently, and then remove cap
3. Tilt your head forward slightly,
4. Close one nostril with your finger
5. Place the nozzle in other nostril
6. Point the nozzle away from the centre ridge of your nose, towards the inside corner of your eye on the same side*
7. Breathe in gently through your nose and press the applicator down firmly between your fingers and thumb
8. Remove the nozzle from the nostril and breathe out gently through mouth
9. Switch nasal inhaler to other hand and repeat steps 5-10 for the other nostril
10. Wipe the nozzle
11. Replace the cap

This checklist of Steps is from the National Asthma Council of Australia.  A video of the technique is available on this link how-to-use-rhinocort

Other tips include:

1. Prime the spray before first use and if it hasn’t been used for a couple of weeks.
2. Tilt head forward (look at your toes), not back.
3. Sniff gently after spraying, sniffing too hard can mean the medicine travels to your throat rather than the nose.