Inhaled nasal steroid sprays are part of my allergy arsenal. Every time I visit the doctor I receive a sample for a different one which has given me the opportunity to compare three different sprays---Flonase, Nasacort and Omnaris. My conclusion is that they all are similar with the exceptions being type of container and price, which are important considerations.

I prefer Flonase for the price because it is available in a generic at lower cost. But I like Nasacort better for the type of container and spraying apparatus. It keeps delivering a good spray all the way to the bottom of the container and seldom gets plugged. By comparison, some Flonase is always wasted because it won’t spray when you’re near the bottom. The nasal tip also needs to be washed often to keep it spraying. I found Omnaris difficult to spray and pricey.

Many other nasal steroids are available as well but all by prescription. All of these sprays contain corticosteroids which have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. They produce few side effects if taken in the recommended doses because only a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream. Whatever is absorbed is cleared quickly. Nasal irritation is the most common side effect, sometimes producing nasal bleeding. That’s a warning to stop using the spray and try something else.

Some tips for getting the most out of your nasal spray

•Use your spray after nasal irrigation to improve its effectiveness. Irrigation removes mucus secretions, pollen and dust so the spray hits the lining of the nasal area more directly.
•Do not spray the medication against your nasal septum, which divides the nose into two parts. Instead, point the tip of the applicator toward the ear of the side you are spraying.
•Most of these sprays can be used for several months without problems, but some doctors recommend that they be used for only 5-14 days at a time. When your nasal congestion is relieved, you may stop the spray for awhile and resume use when you need it again.
•Seasonal allergy sufferers, especially those prone to sinus infections, should use their spray on a maintenance schedule throughout most of the allergy season.
•Long-term use of these sprays, beyond three months, seems to cause chronic irritation, inflammation and increased mucus secretions.