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What are the most common side effects from using nasal sprays in children?

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 04, 2009

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Question: What are the most common side effects from using nasal sprays in children?
Prescription nasal sprays, including intranasal corticosteroids and intranasal antihistamines, do a better job of treating all symptoms of allergic rhinitis when compared to oral antihistamines. Nasal corticosteroids even do a better job of treating symptoms of eye allergies than do oral antihistamines. There are side effects from using nasal sprays, however, which often limit their use.
Answer:

The Pediatric Allergies in America Survey, conducted in 2009, found that nearly half of children who used nasal sprays complained that the medication dripped down their throats, causing throat irritation. Other common side effects that children complained about in this study included drying or burning within the nose, headaches and drowsiness. Though not a side effect, bad taste was also a common complaint.

In my opinion, the 2 most common complaints about nasal sprays (medication dripping down the throat and bad taste) can be prevented or minimized with the correct use of the nasal spray. Incorrect technique results in many of the side effects from nasal sprays, including nosebleeds.

Learn more about the correct way to use a nasal spray.

Source:

Meltzer EO, Blaiss MS, Derebery J, et al. Burden of Allergic Rhinitis: Results From the Pediatric Allergies in America Survey. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009; 124:S43-70.

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