How to choose the right nasal spray?

For a stuffy nose or allergic rhinitis, you can choose between a decongestant vasoconstrictive nasal spray and a nasal corticosteroid spray. Both products have recently become available without a prescription. But how do you make the right choice?

The vasoconstrictors affect the mucous membranes and dependency develops with long-term use. This often leads to a blocked nose caused by the product itself. Normally you can only use the product for 5 to a maximum of 10 days, but research shows that about half of the people with allergic rhinitis use the product for much longer.

Nasal corticosteroids are more effective and less harmful to health. But until April 1st, a prescription was required for this. This has now changed. You can now buy the nasal corticosteroids without a prescription. For people who have to use the products without interruption, a doctor's prescription is still recommended, as they will then receive a refund for the product.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351677

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-05-07 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025