- When it comes to health issues that involve the nasal cavity and sinuses, one of the best delivery methods for medication is directly into the nose using a nasal spay. Nasal sprays are bottles containing specific medications that can be inserted directly into the nose, and deliver a spray of the medication deep into the nasal cavity. They are most commonly used with decongestants and antihistamines to prevent nasal dryness.
- Decongestant nasal sprays are most commonly used during a cold or flu that manifests itself with a runny nose or stuffed sinuses. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride are the two most common nasal spray ingredients for this purpose. Once inserted into the nose, the nasal spray works by constricting the blood vessels inside the nose, causing an automatic clearing reaction. This allows you to breathe better as well as easier.
- Antihistamines are also commonly administered through nasal sprays. When you experience an allergic reaction, your body's immune system releases histamine, which in turn causes inflammation at the site of the reaction. When an antihistamine nose spray is used, the antihistamine in the spray competes for receptor sites that histamine would normally use to create its reaction. This helps prevent and control the swelling associated with allergies.
- Some nasal sprays have no medication at all. These nasal sprays use saline solution to help moisturize the nasal cavity and prevent dryness. This is also commonly referred to as nasal irrigation, and is a quick remedy for nasal irritation due to a dried up nasal cavity and sinuses.
