Nasal Corticosteroids - A Safe Option for Allergy Relief?

Nasonex (mometasone) is a prescription steroid nasal spray used to treat symptoms associated with seasonal and year-round (chronic) allergies in patients 2 years of age and older. Seasonal allergies are often caused by exposure to outdoor allergens such as grasses, weeds, and tree pollen while chronic allergies are usually caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander.

Nasal corticosteroids are commonly regarded as the most effective type of drug for treating allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), even though antihistamines seem to be more popular.

In addition to treating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes), Nasonex is the only prescription nasal spray clinically proven to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms in patients over the age of 12 years. This is also the only drug in its class approved for children so young. Doctors recommend starting treatment with Nasonex 2 to 4 weeks before the anticipated start of the pollen season to prevent symptoms.

A Different Kind of Steroid

The steroids contained in it are not the same type of steroids taken by athletes and extreme bodybuilders. Nasal corticosteroids are sprayed directly into the nose and reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes making the area less reactive. Nasal corticosteroids also don't affect you like oral corticosteroids, which have side effects including weight gain, weakened bones and skin, and high blood pressure.

Harold Nelson, M.D., senior staff physician at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, says that he rarely uses antihistamines because he finds nasal corticosteroid sprays to be a cheaper and more effective option for patients. He says, "There's never been any convincing evidence that there's any systemic side effect from nasal steroids."

While nasal steroids generally affect only your nasal area, some people are concerned because studies have shown that they can cause children to grow more slowly. Dr. Nelson says that this doesn't appear to be a serious issue because, "If there is any slowing, it's very transient in the first couple of months and is not continuous and cumulative." In addition, most of the studies used the drug beclomethasone which is absorbed into the body more easily than other nasal corticosteroids like Nasonex.

During clinical trials of Nasonex, the most common side effects included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nose bleed, and coughing.

How to Use Nasonex

To avoid stinging, burning, and bleeding in your nose, Dr. Nelson recommends aiming the spray bottle away from the septum, the wall of cartilage that divides the nose. This works best if you hold the inhaler in one hand and spray the medicine into the opposite nostril. And if you use the spray regularly, be sure to use a dose just large enough to keep your symptoms at bay.

If you'd like to know whether it can help you or your child please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.