The most effective medication currently available for controlling the four major symptoms of allergic rhinitis – sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion – is topical nasal corticosteroid spray.

The spray is available by prescription only, administered by aqueous (non-CFC propellant) mechanical pump or metered-dose spray forms. It suppresses the inflammation of nasal passages, thereby clearing your nose for easier breathing.

Topical nasal corticosteroid sprays are most effective if you use them daily as preventive medications. They provide gradual relief at the outset of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Initially, you may need to use the medication for several days before the spray suppresses the inflammation. Full effectiveness may require two to three weeks of daily application.

Only use topical nasal corticosteroids if your nose is clear enough for the spray to penetrate. If your nose is seriously congested, you may need to use a topical nasal decongestant for the first three to five days just prior to administering the topical nasal corticosteroid spray.

In order to prevent injuring your septum (the bone that divides the nose into two nostrils), direct the spray away from the septum and slightly in the direction of your ears. You can often minimize the adverse side effects of nasal irritation, burning, drying, and nosebleeds by using an aqueous formulation of a topical nasal corticosteroid because of its gentler action on the nasal lining.

Although evidence indicates that topical nasal corticosteroid sprays are highly effective and safe for children, some concern exists about the possible effects the sprays may temporarily have on the rate of growth in children who use them. If your child uses a topical nasal corticosteroid spray, make sure that your child’s physician knows about your concerns so he or she can accurately monitor your youngster’s growth.

Reprinted from Allergies and Asthma for Dummies by William Berger, M.D. Available wherever you buy books.