10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures Take the Quiz on Allergies Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays

Examples of corticosteroid nasal sprays include beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase), budesonide (Rhinocort), flunisolide (Nasalide, Nasarel), fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), ciclesonide (Omnaris), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst), and triamcinolone (Nasacort). Corticosteroid nasal sprays are available by prescription only and are currently the most effective treatment for relief of allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

• How corticosteroid nasal sprays work: These drugs decrease inflammation within the nasal passages, thereby relieving nasal symptoms.



• Who should not use these medications: Individuals who are allergic to any components of these nasal sprays should not use them.



• Use: Gently shake the container. Blow the nose to clear the nostrils. Close (pinch) one nostril, and insert nasal applicator into the other nostril. Inhale through the nose and press on the applicator to release the spray. Apply the prescribed number of sprays and repeat with the other nostril.



• Side effects: These sprays may cause nosebleed or sore throat.