Nasal sprays are an easy-to-use solution for treating problems such as runny nose, congestion, allergies, sneezing, snoring. While these are quick to respond and quite effective, most people fail to understand the right way to use them. It causes the medication to go to waste and the individual not experiencing the actual effects of them.
So, here we present a step-by-step guide to using a nasal spray the right way for immediate relief.
How Does A Nasal Spray Work?
The medication or topical in the nasal spray enters the nasal passage. It works in different ways to provide effective results such as decongestant, reducing inflammation, moistening the passage, reducing allergic symptoms, or snoring. For example, a natural nasal spray intended for decongestion will interact with the blood vessels in the region to constrict them and release the congestion. Based on the topical, the individual may experience results within a few minutes.
Understanding The Type
Nasal sprays come in two convenient designs that are determined to enable ease of use for the customer. You might have a pump bottle design or a pressurized canister type of design. In each case, the process of using them is slightly different, and therefore, we will go through the ways to use them in detail using simple steps. This way, you can be confident you are using the nasal spray the best way.
Prepping Before A Spray
Before we understand how to use a nasal spray properly, let us know some materials and steps that need to be gathered and prepped.
What You Need
- One bottle of nasal spray
- Tissues
- Hand Sanitizer
How To Prepare
Start by gently blowing your nose into a tissue. The process helps to clear the nasal passage that will ensure the medications enter your system.
Beware, if you experience pain while blowing the nose or find it difficult, we suggest not to apply pressure.
Dispose of the tissues and clean your hands with hand sanitizer. You can also use soap and water for a thorough job.
Read the instructions printed on the nasal spray bottle. If it suggests you shake the bottle before use, give it a little shake to prepare it.
For Pressurized Nasal Spray
- Keep your head straight.
- Using one finger, close the nostril that will not be receiving the spray. You can do this by gently pressing the side of the nose.
- Slowly slide the spray tip of the bottle into the receiving nostril.
- Gently apply pressure on the bottle to squeeze the medicine out.
- Breathe in while you squeeze the bottle to let the medicine flow into your nostrils.
- Remove the spray tip and sniff twice.
- If required, repeat the process. Remember to wait at least 15 seconds between multiple sprays for the best benefits, such as anti-snoring or decongestant.
- Follow steps 1- 6 for the other nostril, as directed.
Tip: Do not blow or squeeze your nose for a while after using the spray.
Compared to pressurized canisters, pumps are slightly tricky to use.
- Hold the bottle properly. This is very important to get a proper grip on the container that ensures a good spray. For this, place your middle and index finger on one side of the container. Place your thumb at the bottom of the bottle. This arrangement helps to hold the bottle appropriately to pump well.
- To check if the sprayer is proper, start by priming the bottle. Take a piece of tissue and spray the product a few times to check if it is working. You can check the label for any further specifications or instructions.
- Slightly tilt your head forward and close the other nostril that will not be receiving the medicine by pressing the side of the nose.
- Gently insert the pump spray tip into the nostril.
- Take a deep breath through the nostril and simultaneously pump the spray using your middle and index fingers.
- Remove the end and sniff a few times. Repeat the spray if required in the same nostril. Wait at least 15 seconds between sprays.
- Follow steps 1-6 on the other nostril.
Some Things To Remember
- Be Patient. Nasal sprays require regular usage at least for a week before you can experience the results. Don`t stop using them after the first few tries.
- Make sure that you can sniff the air in both nostrils before taking the spray. A clear passage ensures sound effects. If you have a congested nose, try to blow and clear the nasal path before spraying.
- Some over-the-counter sprays or saline nasal sprays can come in handy to relieve congestion or reduce discomfort and bleeding.
- If you feel sudden discomfort, bleeding, irritation, or itching on the inside of the nose, stop using the spray. Wait three days before reusing or consult your doctor.
- Make sure to place the spray such that the tip is pointing towards the back of your head. If you fail to spray straight, you are simply wasting the medication.
- Avoid sharing your nasal spray with others. It is highly unhygienic. Always place the protective cap on the top of the nozzle.
- Avoid overdoing the dosage. Stick to the prescribed time for using the spray and consult your doctor to understand if using them regularly is necessary. Sometimes long-term usage of the same drug could induce harmful side effects or reactions.
- Clean the spray tip before and after using it. It ensures no microorganisms are breeding on the surface that could cause an infection.
- Be careful while storing the spray bottle. Make sure to preserve the container at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not freeze the bottle.
- Be aware of the expiration date of the spray and try to use it before. If the bottle has expired, please buy a new one. If there is no expiration date please discard 6 months after first use.
Conclusion
Nasal sprays are a convenient solution to avoid problems such as nasal congestion and congestion related troubles like snoring. Learning the right way to use them ensures you receive the best benefits from the products in hand. Use this simple guide to learn how to use your nasal sprays effectively for the best experience.
