Nasal steroids have few side effects. Irritation and nose bleeds are the most common ones, while there is little evidence for whole-body side effects.
Nasal steroids may have a small affect on a child’s vertical growth, although studies seem to show mixed results on the subject. If nasal steroids do in fact affect a child’s growth, it is likely that this effect is very small and only transient, meaning that the child would still likely attain her original expected adult height.
There does seem to be some increased risk for cataracts and glaucoma in people who are using nasal steroids, particularly in children with a family history of these diseases, or who are otherwise prone to them. It is recommended that children undergo routine annual eye exams by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Find out more about nasal sprays for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Source:
Schleimer RP, Spahn JD, Covar R, Szefler SJ. Glucocorticoids. In: Adkinson NF, Yunginger JW, Busse WW, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 6th edition. Philadelphia: Mosby Publishing; 2003:870-914.
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