TOPICAL NASAL SPRAYS - TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Topical nasal sprays, especially steroids, have regained favor as trea tment for allergic rhinitis. Nasal steroids are widely used and are as safe and effective as antihistamines in controlling symptoms of rhini tis. However, if improperly used, steroids can have side effects. It i s essential that patients learn correct techniques for administering n asal steroids and understand complications that can result from nasal steroid use. New steroid drugs, such as budesonide, tripedane and flut icasone, are being evaluated and will be available in the near future. Other topical drugs, such as cromolyn and ipratropium, are also effec tive. Over-the-counter decongestants are helpful in reducing nasal con gestion and allowing other topical medicines to penetrate effectively into the nasal cavity, but their use should be limited to no more than three days. Prolonged use of topical nasal decongestants has no place in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and can be associated with sign ificant side effects.