Can Nasal Steroids Ease Allergy Symptoms?

If you suffer allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny, itchy nose, you know how miserable these symptoms can make you feel. Allergy symptoms disrupt all areas of your life -- from your daytime productivity to your nighttime slumber. When allergy symptoms kick in, sleep problems also rise, resulting in daytime fatigue, time off work, and even reduced income.

Perhaps inhaled nasal steroids can help ease your allergy symptoms and nasal congestion and allow you to regain control of your life.

How do nasal steroids work to ease allergy symptoms?

Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion are caused by inflammation (swelling). Inhaled nasal steroids help to reduce swelling, mucus production, and nasal congestion.  As a result, the nasal passages are less sensitive and less likely to react to allergy triggers (pollen, animal dander, or dust mites).

Are inhaled nasal steroids for allergy symptoms dangerous?

Inhaled steroids are not the same as anabolic steroids some professional athletes take to bulk up their muscles for competition. Corticosteroids are some of the most effective medicines to treat allergy symptoms -- and the benefits far outweigh their risks -- according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

When steroid pills are taken for a long period, there is a potential for serious side effects because the steroids get to all parts of your body. But when steroids are inhaled, they are delivered in very small doses to the area that needs them: the nose or lungs.

How long does it take for inhaled nasal steroids to reduce allergy symptoms?

You won't notice full benefit of inhaled nasal steroids for allergy symptoms and nasal congestion for up to two weeks after starting the nasal steroid. After continuous use, the inhaled nasal steroids will help decrease inflammation and mucus production, resulting in fewer allergy symptoms and reduced nasal congestion. Your doctor or allergist may keep you on other allergy medications or another anti-inflammatory nasal spray until you feel the maximum effect with inhaled nasal steroids.

How do you use inhaled nasal steroids for allergy symptoms?

To use a nasal steroid, it is important to close one nostril and tilt your head downward when spraying the steroid. Try not to tilt your head back to keep the medicine from draining from the nose to the throat.  Also, try to spray away from your nasal septum to avoid irritation.  Ask your doctor to show you how to use your inhaled nasal steroid to make sure you're using it correctly.

Are there side effects of inhaled nasal steroids for allergy symptoms?

Inhaled nasal steroids have few, if any, side effects. Nasal irritation is the most common side effect. Sometimes there is nasal bleeding or perforation of the nasal septum. If there is bleeding when you use an inhaled nasal steroid, contact your doctor.