How to Use Nasal Sprays Properly (and Common Mistakes to Avoid)
- mrtimbiggs4
- Nov 23
- 2 min read
Nasal sprays are a simple but powerful way to treat blocked nose, sinus problems, or allergies, but only if they’re used correctly. As a Consultant ENT and Rhinology Surgeon in Portsmouth and Fareham, I often see patients who’ve used nasal sprays for months without success, simply because of technique.
Used properly, steroid or medicated nasal sprays can dramatically reduce inflammation, improve breathing, and prevent the need for surgery.
1️⃣ Shake, Prime, and Aim
Before each use:
Shake the bottle gently (especially steroid sprays, as the medicine settles).
If it’s new or hasn’t been used for a few days, prime it by spraying into the air once or twice.
Lean forward slightly, close one nostril with a finger, and angle the nozzle slightly outward, toward the outer corner of the eye, not straight up the middle.
This prevents the spray hitting the nasal septum (the middle wall), which can cause irritation or nosebleeds.
2️⃣ Breathe Gently
As you spray, breathe in slowly through your nose, don’t sniff hard. The goal is to coat the nasal lining, not pull the spray straight to the back of the throat.
After spraying, breathe out through your mouth. Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose for a few minutes.
3️⃣ Be Consistent, Not Constant
Consistency is everything. Steroid sprays such as fluticasone, mometasone, or budesonide need time to work, usually 6–12 weeks of daily use.
They are safe for long-term use, but using them intermittently (“just when I’m blocked”) makes them ineffective. It’s better to use them once daily, every day, than twice daily for a week then stop.
Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or keep the spray next to your toothbrush — regularity makes the difference.
4️⃣ Avoid Common Mistakes
🚫 Switching brands repeatedly: If one steroid spray hasn’t helped after a full three-month trial, swapping to another won’t make much difference. The next step is to check for structural causes such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse.
🚫 Using decongestant sprays for too long: Products like Otrivine or Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray should only be used for 5–7 days. Longer use can cause rebound congestion, making the blockage worse.
🚫 Not cleaning the nose first: If you have crusting or mucus, use a saline rinse or spray (like Sterimar or NeilMed) first, this helps the steroid reach the nasal lining.
🚫 Pointing the nozzle incorrectly: Always aim slightly outward, not toward the septum.
5️⃣ When Sprays Aren’t Enough
If you’ve used a steroid spray correctly for at least three months with little or no improvement, the problem is likely structural, something sprays can’t fix.
Common structural causes include:
Deviated septum
Nasal valve collapse
Post-traumatic deformity
In these cases, surgery such as a functional septorhinoplasty can permanently restore airflow.
At Adnova Clinic, Fareham, I offer consultant-led assessment and treatment for both medical and structural nasal problems, helping patients across Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the south coast breathe better.
To enquire or book an assessment:
📍 Adnova Clinic
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