A nasal spray may be the answer to unblock your nose.
A blocked nose has a negative impact on a daily life and many patients seek for treatment in order to feel relief. Nasal congestion can be caused by several things, like having a cold, sinusitis or hay fever. Whatever the cause, your first resort might be to reach for an over the counter nasal spray.
There are different types of nasal spray. Some contain medications to target the biological processes going on in your nose, and some use natural ingredients like sea water to gently clear your nose.
So, if you’re looking for a nasal spray for sinus problems, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion or a gentle saline nasal spray for babies, we have all the information you need!
Why is my nose blocked?
Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose can cause swelling and congestion of the nasal passages. Nasal congestion hinders breathing, leads to the build-up of thick mucus, causes a frequent desire to blow the nose; disturbs sleep and causes snoring. In short, nasal congestion can have a considerable negative impact on daily life.1,2
There are many common causes of nasal congestion, including:1,2
- Upper respiratory viral infections (common cold or flu)
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Sinusitis
Of these, the cold is one of the most common causes, affecting adults around two to four times per year, and young children around six times per year. Nasal congestion is the most common symptom among common cold sufferers.1,2
What is a nasal spray?
Nasal decongestant spray can be used to reduce congestion, for example to treat allergies of the nose and persistent rhinitis. 3
The product is sprayed directly into the nostrils (nasal passage).
Nasal sprays vary in shape and size, but the technique remains the same and instructions will come with the product. You will need to prime the nasal spray if you have not used it before, or if you have not used it for two weeks. Please make sure you follow the manufacturet's instructions.3
Unblock your nose with an Otrivin nasal spray.
Delivers the medication in a fine mist to help clear nasal congestion from 2 minutes and lasts up to 10 hours.
How to use an Otrivin nasal spray?
1. Clear your nose
2. Hold the bottle upright with thumb under base and nozzle between two fingers
3. Lean forward slightly and place the nozzle into a nostril
4. Spray while breathing in gently through your nose at the same time
5. Clean and dry the nozzle before replacing back the cap right after use
6. Repeat for your other nostril
If symptoms persist for more than ten days*, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Only one person should use each pack to avoid the spread of infection.
Consider your options to unblock your nose.
Otrivin comes in a wide range of products. For a solution containing natural ingredients to cleanse your nose, try the Otrivin Breathe Clean. If you want relief from a blocked use our medicated range which includes Otrivin Adult, Otrivin Menthol & Otrivin Paed Metered Dose Nasal Sprays, as well as Otrivin Adult & Otrivin Paed Nasal Drops.
References:
- Eccles R, Eriksson M, Garreffa S, et al. The nasal decongestant effect of xylometazoline in the common cold. Am J Rhinol. 2008;22:491-496
- Eccles R, Martenssen K, Chen S. Effects of intranasal xylometazoline, alone or in combination with ipratropium, in patients with common cold. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010;26:889–899
- NHS. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Patient information factsheet. How to use a nasal spray. Available from: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Respiratory/How-to-use-a-nasal-spray-patient-information.pdf (last accessed March 2020)
