Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays
The big revolution in allergy treatment involves the use of steroid nasal sprays. Allergists have known for decades that cortisone-like drugs (prednisone, for example) can dampen the reactions of an overactive immune system and calm allergy symptoms amazingly well. The trouble is that relief comes at a stiff price. So many side effects are associated with oral corticosteroids that few physicians would ever consider prescribing such medications for nasal allergy symptoms except as a last resort. Even then, cautious doctors prescribe medications like prednisone for the shortest period of time necessary. Adverse reactions can include irritability, insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, potassium depletion, headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Not surprisingly, people wanted the benefits of steroids without the risks. That’s where nasal sprays come in. There are about a half- dozen different intranasal corticosteroids available by prescription. Most experts would say that these formulations are the most effective allergy treatment available. Although it may take a week for the benefits to reach peak effect, these sprays should relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and congestion quite well. They are pricey, however. A small bottle can run $85 to $95. At the time of this writing, generic flunisolide costs around $40. We cannot say whether one spray is better or safer than another.
The general consensus is that there are few, if any, systemic
GENERIC
BRAND NAME
Beclomethasone
Beconase AQ
Budesonide
Rhinocort Aqua
Flunisolide
Nasarel
Fluticasone
Flonase
Mometasone
Nasonex
Nasacort AQ
Triamcinolone
INTRANASAL
CORTICOSTEROIDS

side effects associated with topical steroids. In other words, the experts do not believe people absorb enough of the drugs into the system to cause much, if any, concern.55 One study did report growth suppression in children, but other research has not confirmed this complication. There have been rare reports of nasal perforation (creating a hole between the nostrils) and increased pressure within the eyes. More common are local reactions such as irritation and burning in the nose, sore throat, nasal dryness, nosebleed, and headache.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,