Have you or someone you know that sneezes in the morning almost everyday? Runny nose and frequent sneezes do not only feel uncomfortable but at times can ruin the mood in the morning. You may see a product that is inserted into the nostril to help relieve such nuisances. This is usually known as a nasal spray. There are many kinds of nasal spray being used to help reduce the runny nose and sneezing symptoms. Nasal sprays especially steroid nasal spray is commonly prescribed by doctors when patients show such symptoms for a long time. One of the known nasal sprays is the Nasonex 50 mg.
Nasonex contains mometasone as its corticosteroid. This corticosteroid helps to reduce the inflammation process especially along the nasal passages which result in symptoms of runny nose, itching and sneezing. Corticosteroid prevents release of substances in the body which triggers the inflammation. Nasonex is used to treat nasal symptoms of allergies such as seasonal allergy/hay fever (allergy reaction that occur during certain time of the years such as spring season), nasal polyp (growth of the lining of the sinuses and nasal passages) and rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinus). Nasonex can be used for children as young as 2 years old.
Nasonex should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. Dose can be once or twice a day depending on how your doctor evaluates your symptoms. It is necessary to only deliver the spray as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid spraying directly onto the middle wall of the nose and avoid spraying to your eyes or mouth. Remember to shake the container well before using.
If you are wondering, is it OK to use Nasonex daily, well yes, it is. Plus, you should be using Nasonex on a daily basis regularly to get the most benefits. It is best to use it at the same time of the day. Never attempt to change the dose by increasing it or use more frequently than instructed by your healthcare provider. You should be able to feel improvement within the first two days of using it but at times it may take up to 2 weeks before the medicine can fully work. If you notice this medicine does not improve your symptoms after using 2 weeks or worsen symptoms, you have to tell this to your healthcare provider. This could be a sign of other conditions such as infection. Symptoms such as severe facial pain, thick nasal discharge or weird whistling sound from the nose should be addressed to your doctor. You should not use Nasonex for more than a month without medical supervision.
Medicine in general does bring benefits to those using it but let’s not forget there is also a possible side effect. Side effects such as nose/throat dryness, nosebleed and phlegm stain with blood may occur. Should such side effects persist and bothers you, you should ask your doctor for advice immediately. In very rare occasions, prolonged use of Nasonex or any corticosteroid may lead to the body absorbing it into the bloodstream. This could lead to serious side effects such as fatigue, swelling of the limb such as ankles or feet, weight loss and vision problems.
In essence, Nasonex is a nasal spray targeted to relieve nasal symptoms related to allergy. It should be used on a daily basis and at the same time of the day. Never use Nasonex for more than one month unless directed by your doctor. Should there be any side effects, you should let your healthcare provider know. You should not be using Nasonex on an injured nose or damages inside the nose.
Apart from using Nasonex to help relieve symptoms, there are actually other things you can do to make yourself feel better. One of the best ways to help relieve symptoms is to avoid the triggers. Identifying the triggers is the first step of learning how to manage the symptoms better. Talk to your healthcare provider on what you can do to help identify triggers. These are other things that you can do at home to reduce symptoms:
- Invest in good and quality hypoallergenic bedding and covers to decrease dust mite exposure when sleeping.
- Wash bedding regularly at least once in two weeks. Use a temperature above 60 celsius when washing the bedding. This helps to get rid of dust mites efficiently.
- Use damp cloth to remove dust at surfaces and use wet mop instead of sweeping. This can prevent dust from flying in the air and accidentally inhaling.
- Use a vacuum with HEPA filter when cleaning the house to eliminate all triggers.
- Remember to take a shower after being outdoors and before sleeping.
- If you own pets, you should wash them at least once every 2 weeks. Wash your pet’s bedding regularly and clean any surfaces such as furniture they have been on. Wash your hands immediately after touching or feeding them.
- Make sure your house is well-ventilated and dry.
- Avoid outdoor activities when it is pollen season.
- Cover your mouth and nose when doing work in the garden or yard.
- Avoid exercising outdoors early in the morning.
