Differences between Nasal Spray and Rinses

When someone is suffering from sinus conditions, there are different topical treatments. Some of the therapies are directly applied on the affected nasal area and other common types are saline nasal sprays, nasal rinses and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Are They Addictive?

The addiction definition describes it as a habit or a practice or anything else that is psychologically habit forming like narcotics and it goes in an extent that its cessation leads to trauma. The over the counter available nasal sprays do not contain any habit forming components and do not make any cravings that can be called as an addiction. However, regular use of nasal sprays can make you tolerant to it and the nasal membrane become no or less responsive to the spray. As a result you may start using more and more nasal sprays to get relief from congestion.

Difference Between Prescribed and OTC Nasal Sprays

Both of the nasal sprays available over the counter or prescribed are suggested using for longer times. You can use it for seasonal rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. The sprays help to get relief from wheezing, running nose, sneezing, congestion and stuffiness irrespective of the cause like common cold or flu or seasonal allergy. But prescribed nasal sprays may take 15 days to show the complete benefits.

Over the counter nasal sprays work faster than the prescribed ones. These are meant for short term use. It helps reducing the nasal swelling, discomfort and must not be continued for three days. The medications constrict the blood vessels present in the nasal membrane that causes shrinkage to the nose lining and also may cause breathing troubles. After a few days when the vessels are congested, the medication starts wearing off. It makes the person in need of nasal spray every few hours.

Corticosteroid sprays

The medicated corticosteroid nasal spray has stronger and more active ingredients than over the counter sprays. When this is active, the mist is settled down on the mucus membrane in the nose and sinuses. The corticosteroid helps the sinus tissue when that is inflamed and steroid helps to get relief from swelling.

Saline spray

Saline spray comes in similar looking bottles like corticosteroids but do not contain corticosteroids or any other medical ingredients. It only has salt water. Using the nasal passageway using saltwater is quite a common practice and it helps treat nasal disorders. Though it gets into the passage well but only a little amount is expelled and it does not reach the entire passage. This drawback is common in any other nasal irrigation method.

Nasal Rinses

If a nasal spray deliver more water it has a better chance to penetrate deep down the sinus network. In the nasal rinsing process the saltwater is poured down to the one nostril and other nostril drains it out. It is often referred to as sinus rinse or sinus irrigation.

Contact OKOA for ENT doctors in OKC if you are suffering from nasal congestion.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.