Other anti-inflammatory uses of intranasal corticosteroids in upper respiratory inflammatory diseases

Topical corticosteroids are an effective treatment for nasal polyposis and other conditions associated with rhinitis. There is evidence that asthma, o titis media with effusion, and acute sinusitis may all benefit from such th erapy. Fluticasone propionate (FP) drops have been shown to reduce polyp si ze, and to improve nasal inspiratory flow, while avoiding the side-effects of, for example, topical betamethasone therapy. In small children with alle rgic rhinitis, fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) has been shown to be significantly more effective than ketotifen in relieving night and daytime symptoms, and nasal blockage. There is also preliminary evidenc e of efficacy in obstructive sleep apnoea and acute sinusitis. The advent o f FP, with its low propensity to cause systemic side-effects, makes it poss ible to use topical corticosteroid therapy safely for prolonged periods to treat many inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.