Fluticasone nasal spray and drops: a steroid medicine for allergic rhinitis or polyps (2024)

FAQs

Fluticasone nasal spray and drops: a steroid medicine for allergic rhinitis or polyps? ›

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat sneezing, itchy or runny nose, or other symptoms caused by hay fever. It is also used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adults. This medicine belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines).

Fluticasone nasal spray controls the symptoms of hay fever, allergies, nonallergic rhinitis, or nasal polyps, but does not cure these conditions. Your symptoms may begin to improve 1 to 2 days after you first use fluticasone, but it may take longer before you feel the full benefit of fluticasone nasal spray.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are commonly used to reduce swelling and irritation in the nasal passages from allergies. But nasal sprays can also help shrink polyps or completely get rid of them. Popular over-the-counter options include Flonase, Rinocort and Nasacort.

Nasal corticosteroid (“steroid”) sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief, Flovent HFA, Xhance), are typically the first-line treatment for nasal polyps, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Corticosteroid nasal sprays combat the inflammation associated with polyps, Dr. Schneider says.

Topical nasal steroid sprays and prednisone both reduce polyp size. Unfortunately, standard nasal sprays provide treatment mostly to the nasal cavity at the front of the nose—not deeper in the sinuses where the polyps are–and as a result, this treatment may not be effective.

If you're using fluticasone drops to shrink nasal polyps, it's important to follow the instructions and use the drops each day. You may not see any improvement for a few weeks. If your symptoms do not improve after 4 to 6 weeks, tell your doctor. They may want to change your medicine.

Medication: The first course of treatment for nasal polyps is often a nasal corticosteroid spray prescribed by your doctor. For many people, this can shrink or remove nasal polyps. Oral corticosteroids may also be used.

Irrigating the sinuses with sterile saline solution will help ease the symptoms of nasal polyps. You can use a neti pot, a specially designed nasal irrigation bottle/pot to flush your nasal cavity and sinuses. It helps clean your nasal cavity from dust and other irritants.

How to permanently cure allergic rhinitis? ›

There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, but the effects of the condition can be lessened with the use of nasal sprays and antihistamine medications. A doctor may recommend immunotherapy - a treatment option that can provide long-term relief. Steps can also be taken to avoid allergens.

Surgery is the only way to fully remove a nasal polyp, but t hey can still regrow. Perscription nasal sprays and oral medications can help to shrink nasal polyps without the need for surgery. Nasal polyps are common, benign (noncancerous) growths that typically develop when people are in their 30s or 40s.

XHANCE USES YOUR BREATH TO HELP REACH THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. XHANCE is the only FDA-approved prescription nasal spray that uses the Exhalation Delivery System^™ to treat nasal polyps. You blow into XHANCE, you don't sniff.

Trauma or blowing your nose really hard can cause nasal polyps to swell or become dislodged. Nasal steroid sprays may help reduce inflammation and help the polyps return to their original position.

In some instances, you may be able to feel nasal polyps with your finger or see them in the mirror, but you should avoid sticking your finger or anything else up your nose to check for polyps. See your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Infections, allergies or any condition that causes long-term inflammation in the nose or sinuses can increase the risk of having nasal polyps. Conditions often linked to nasal polyps include: Asthma. Aspirin sensitivity.

Medication usually is the first approach. Surgery sometimes may be needed, but it may not provide a permanent solution because polyps tend to recur. Nasal steroids and budesonide rinses may reduce swelling and irritation. These treatments may shrink polyps or eliminate them completely.

There is no difference in their effect or side effects. Flonase and Nasonex are both corticosteroid nasal sprays that are effective at treating hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis and allergies. Nasonex is also FDA approved to treat nasal polyps.