Nasal steroid spraysare used to treat chronicsinusitisand allergies that affect your breathing, likehay fever. They can also be used to treat snoring andnasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages.
Both the short-term and long-term use of nasal steroid sprays are thought to largely be safe forchildrenand adults alike. However, they are not without side effects.
This article reviews possible side effects of steroid nasal sprays—some of which overlap with the very condition you may be trying to treat—and why they occur. It also walks you through when to talk to your healthcare provider about them.
What Is Steroid Nasal Spray?
Intranasal corticosteroidsare synthetic versions of hormones that are naturally produced in theadrenal glands. Better known as steroid nasal sprays, these drugs come in liquid form that is misted into the nostril.
Steroid nasal sprays are used to treat inflammation in your sinuses. These are the hollow spaces in your head that connect with the passages in your nose. When they are irritated, you can experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, pressure, andheadaches.
Steroid nasal sprays are not the same asanabolic steroids, drugs that some people use to encourage muscle building.
Examples of Steroid Nasal Sprays
Others are available over the counter (OTC), including:
Recap
What Is a Sinus Infection?
Localized Side Effects
Localized side effects of steroid nasal sprays, or those limited to the areas in and around where the medication directly touches, are the most common.
You may not even realize that your steroid nasal spray is causing side effects, as many of them can mimic those of allergies and sinusitis. That’s especially true if you have just started using nasal steroid sprays for allergies.
Common steroid nasal spray side effects include:
Local side effects of steroid nasal sprays tend to affect the nasal passage openings most. More rarely, they can be up higher in your nostrils.
These symptoms can occur right after you use the nasal spray or days afterward.
If you have bleeding and irritation of your nasal passages, it can increase your risk of more serious complications. These include breaks in the skin (ulceration) or small holes (perforation) in the septum, found between your nostrils.
Though they are less common, some side effects involve your eyes and sinuses. These may occur right away or even days after use.
Such side effects include:
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They may advise you to stop using your nasal steroid spray for a few days. They also may adjust your dose or change your treatment.
RecapThe most common side effects of steroid nasal sprays occur in and around the nostrils, as well as surrounding areas. They can range from dryness and itching, to headaches and nosebleeds.
The most common side effects of steroid nasal sprays occur in and around the nostrils, as well as surrounding areas. They can range from dryness and itching, to headaches and nosebleeds.
Systemic Side Effects
Steroid nasal spray use can sometimes lead to body-wide side effects, though these are less common.
These side effects can be due to the fact that these drugs can suppress your immune system, change your hormone levels, or increase pressure in your eyes.
Systemic side effects of steroid nasal sprays include:
Systemic side effects due to using nasal steroid sprays are relatively rare. However, be sure to see a healthcare provider if you think you may be experiencing any.
RecapNasal steroid sprays can lead to body-wide side effects and complications, such as eye conditions and abnormal menstrual cycles. These are rare and usually occur after long-term use.
Nasal steroid sprays can lead to body-wide side effects and complications, such as eye conditions and abnormal menstrual cycles. These are rare and usually occur after long-term use.
Growth and Behavior in Children
Research suggests that nasal corticosteroids are safe for children, but there are some concerns about long-term use and its effects on growth and behavior in children.
Growth
Nasal steroid spray use may have a small impact on a child’s vertical growth. This risk increases when the steroids are used for an extended time.
In some studies, intranasal steroids appeared to slow children’s growth, though it was unclear whether there was a long-term effect on growth. Other studies have found no significant effect on growth.
Behavior
There has been some concern about hyperactivity, irritability, or behavioral problems in children who regularly use nasal steroid sprays. Studies, however, show mixed results.
It’s best to be aware of the potential for this and watch for any changes in a child using nasal steroid spray.
RecapLong-term use of steroid nasal sprays may impact a child’s growth and behavior, so parents and doctors a like should be mindful of these possibilities.
Long-term use of steroid nasal sprays may impact a child’s growth and behavior, so parents and doctors a like should be mindful of these possibilities.
How Technique Affects Your Risk
Proper technique is very important. One study carried out in the Netherlands found that just 6% of participants actually completed all the steps given in their nasal spray instructions, so it’s worth reviewing them—even if you think you have them down pat.
The researchers note that improper technique when using a nasal spray can raise your risk of a nosebleed or a perforated septum. That’s especially the case when you point the spray toward the inside of your nose, as it causes the tissue to thin with repeated use.
Basic steps include:
You’ll want to be sure you can breathe well before use. The drug can’t reach the sinuses if you can’t breathe it in through your nostrils. You also may want to gently pump (prime) the bottle before use, making sure that it’s ready to spray so that the drug is delivered as you expect.
How to Properly Use a Nasal Spray
Contraindications
For some, steroid nasal spray use may be either carefully considered or outright inadvisable, as they are at greater risk for side effects than others.
If you have any condition related to your adrenal glands, such asAddison’s disease, it is possible for nasal steroid sprays to make them worse. This is more likely if you use the sprays often over a long period of time.
RecapUsing a steroid nasal spray the wrong way can cause side effects, so always follow product instructions. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all conditions you have and drugs you take, so they can ensure one of these drugs is safe for you.
Using a steroid nasal spray the wrong way can cause side effects, so always follow product instructions. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all conditions you have and drugs you take, so they can ensure one of these drugs is safe for you.
Summary
Nasal steroid sprays will often bring relief for symptoms related to allergies and chronic sinusitis. Your healthcare provider may prescribe one for you. Other nasal steroid sprays are available as over-the-counter drugs.
If you are new to using them, it’s important to know that they can lead to side effects. In many cases, you will experience symptoms of these side effects in and around the nose. Side effects that are body-wide, such as nausea or infection, can occur but do so less often.
It’s important that you know the proper technique when using nasal sprays. This will help to ensure that your use of steroid nasal sprays is both safe and effective when treating your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. They are thought to be safe and effective for treating allergy symptoms in both adults and children. But they do have side effects that tend to increase with long-term use. Some health conditions can put you at greater risk.Learn MoreThe Anatomy of the Adrenal Gland
Generally, no. They are thought to be safe and effective for treating allergy symptoms in both adults and children. But they do have side effects that tend to increase with long-term use. Some health conditions can put you at greater risk.
Learn MoreThe Anatomy of the Adrenal Gland
Nasal steroid spray can cause irritation, redness, and other symptoms in and around your nose. These effects can increase with long-term use. Bleeding may mean there’s a more serious problem, such as a hole in your nasal lining that will require medical attention.Learn MoreCauses and Treatment of Nosebleeds
Nasal steroid spray can cause irritation, redness, and other symptoms in and around your nose. These effects can increase with long-term use. Bleeding may mean there’s a more serious problem, such as a hole in your nasal lining that will require medical attention.
Learn MoreCauses and Treatment of Nosebleeds
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.McDonnell J, Weller K, Pien LC.Safety of intranasal steroids: an updated perspective.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020;20(11):69. doi:10.1007/s11882-020-00960-2Bridgeman MB.Overcoming barriers to intranasal corticosteroid use in patients with uncontrolled allergic rhinitis.Integr Pharm Res Pract. 2017;6:109–119. doi:10.2147/IPRP.S129544Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al.Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1):S1-S43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600Lee LA, Sterling R, Máspero J, Clements D, Ellsworth A, Pedersen S.Growth velocity reduced with once-daily fluticasone furoate nasal spray in prepubescent children with perennial allergic rhinitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(4):421-427. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.04.008Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, et al.International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: allergic rhinitis.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(2):108-352. doi:10.1002/alr.22073Bodum KS, Hjerrild BE, Dalsgaard S, Rubak SLM.Behavioural side effects of inhaled corticosteroids among children and adolescents with asthma.Respir Res. 2022;23(1):192. doi:10.1186/s12931-022-02112-8Rollema C, van Roon EN, de Vries TW.Inadequate quality of administration of intranasal corticosteroid sprays.J Asthma Allergy. 2019;12:91-94. doi:10.2147/JAA.S189523
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.McDonnell J, Weller K, Pien LC.Safety of intranasal steroids: an updated perspective.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020;20(11):69. doi:10.1007/s11882-020-00960-2Bridgeman MB.Overcoming barriers to intranasal corticosteroid use in patients with uncontrolled allergic rhinitis.Integr Pharm Res Pract. 2017;6:109–119. doi:10.2147/IPRP.S129544Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al.Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1):S1-S43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600Lee LA, Sterling R, Máspero J, Clements D, Ellsworth A, Pedersen S.Growth velocity reduced with once-daily fluticasone furoate nasal spray in prepubescent children with perennial allergic rhinitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(4):421-427. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.04.008Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, et al.International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: allergic rhinitis.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(2):108-352. doi:10.1002/alr.22073Bodum KS, Hjerrild BE, Dalsgaard S, Rubak SLM.Behavioural side effects of inhaled corticosteroids among children and adolescents with asthma.Respir Res. 2022;23(1):192. doi:10.1186/s12931-022-02112-8Rollema C, van Roon EN, de Vries TW.Inadequate quality of administration of intranasal corticosteroid sprays.J Asthma Allergy. 2019;12:91-94. doi:10.2147/JAA.S189523
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
McDonnell J, Weller K, Pien LC.Safety of intranasal steroids: an updated perspective.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020;20(11):69. doi:10.1007/s11882-020-00960-2Bridgeman MB.Overcoming barriers to intranasal corticosteroid use in patients with uncontrolled allergic rhinitis.Integr Pharm Res Pract. 2017;6:109–119. doi:10.2147/IPRP.S129544Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al.Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1):S1-S43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600Lee LA, Sterling R, Máspero J, Clements D, Ellsworth A, Pedersen S.Growth velocity reduced with once-daily fluticasone furoate nasal spray in prepubescent children with perennial allergic rhinitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(4):421-427. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.04.008Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, et al.International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: allergic rhinitis.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(2):108-352. doi:10.1002/alr.22073Bodum KS, Hjerrild BE, Dalsgaard S, Rubak SLM.Behavioural side effects of inhaled corticosteroids among children and adolescents with asthma.Respir Res. 2022;23(1):192. doi:10.1186/s12931-022-02112-8Rollema C, van Roon EN, de Vries TW.Inadequate quality of administration of intranasal corticosteroid sprays.J Asthma Allergy. 2019;12:91-94. doi:10.2147/JAA.S189523
McDonnell J, Weller K, Pien LC.Safety of intranasal steroids: an updated perspective.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020;20(11):69. doi:10.1007/s11882-020-00960-2
Bridgeman MB.Overcoming barriers to intranasal corticosteroid use in patients with uncontrolled allergic rhinitis.Integr Pharm Res Pract. 2017;6:109–119. doi:10.2147/IPRP.S129544
Seidman MD, Gurgel RK, Lin SY, et al.Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;152(1):S1-S43. doi:10.1177/0194599814561600
Lee LA, Sterling R, Máspero J, Clements D, Ellsworth A, Pedersen S.Growth velocity reduced with once-daily fluticasone furoate nasal spray in prepubescent children with perennial allergic rhinitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(4):421-427. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.04.008
Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, et al.International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: allergic rhinitis.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(2):108-352. doi:10.1002/alr.22073
Bodum KS, Hjerrild BE, Dalsgaard S, Rubak SLM.Behavioural side effects of inhaled corticosteroids among children and adolescents with asthma.Respir Res. 2022;23(1):192. doi:10.1186/s12931-022-02112-8
Rollema C, van Roon EN, de Vries TW.Inadequate quality of administration of intranasal corticosteroid sprays.J Asthma Allergy. 2019;12:91-94. doi:10.2147/JAA.S189523
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
