Nasal Sprays: Flonase

Flonase is a nasal spray available by prescription only. The active ingredient in Flonase is fluticasone propionate, which is a corticosteroid. Flonase is used to treat chronic nasal congestion, usually caused by indoor and outdoor allergens. Some people suffer from a condition called chronic rhinitis, which essentially means your nose is stuffed more or less all the time, and use flonase as an effective treatment.

Flonase is fundamentally different from over the counter decongestant nasal sprays. Over the counter decongestant sprays relive nasal congestion very quickly by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal cavity. The problem, however, is that they do nothing to solve the cause of the nasal congestion, and if they are used regularly, decongestant nasal sprays can cause serious problems. They quickly lose their effectiveness, and begin to make the nasal congestion worse as the body compensates to the drug’s contracting effect on the blood vessels. If used regularly for a long period of time, decongestant nasal sprays can be both addictive and cause damage to the nasal cavity.

Flonase works very differently. Because it is a steroid, it’s actually intended (and in fact must be) used regularly over a long period of time. Flonase does not provide quick relief to nasal congestion like over the counter medication. Rather, over a long period of time the nasal congestion will cease in a more permanent fashion.

Many people who suffer from chronic rhinitis will begin a regiment of Flonase by taking it at regular intervals 4 times a day. Over time, as the drug begins to take effect in the body, the dosage is reduced, so that eventually the nasal congestion disappears by using Flonase once a day or even only a few times a week.

If you find yourself suffering from an occasional stuffed nose due to allergies or a cold, it is entirely suitable to use an over the counter nasal decongestant for a few days. Many people, however, fail to make the distinction between occasional congestion and what may be chronic rhinitis. If you find yourself suffering from nasal congestion for an extended period of time, especially when you don’t have a cold and are otherwise healthy, it’s very important that you avoid using nasal decongestants regularly. Instead, visit your doctor, who will likely provide a prescription for a steroid-based nasal spray like Flonase that will eventually cure your chronic rhinitis, rather than simply relive the symptoms.