What medication or spray, such as Nasonex (mometasone furoate), is recommended for congested nasal turbinates?

From the Guidelines

For congested nasal turbinates, intranasal corticosteroid sprays like Nasonex (mometasone furoate) are typically recommended as first-line treatments. These medications should be used once or twice daily as directed, usually one or two sprays in each nostril, and may take several days to reach full effectiveness 1. Saline nasal sprays or rinses can also provide immediate relief by moistening and clearing nasal passages, and can be used multiple times daily as needed. For temporary relief, over-the-counter decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can be effective but should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion 1. Oral antihistamines may help if allergies are contributing to the congestion. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, decreasing mucus production, and shrinking swollen turbinates, which improves airflow through the nose and relieves the sensation of blockage. Some key points to consider:

• Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective medication class for controlling sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion, the 4 major symptoms of allergic rhinitis 1.
• Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, help reduce symptoms of nasal congestion in both allergic and nonallergic rhinitis and are beneficial for use in combination with antihistamines 1.
• Topical decongestants are appropriate to use on a short-term basis for nasal congestion associated with acute bacterial or viral infections, exacerbations of allergic rhinitis, and eustachian tube dysfunction 1. If symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks despite consistent treatment, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

• 24HR Relief of: • Nasal Congestion • Runny Nose • Sneezing • Itchy Nose *Mometasone furoate is a steroid medicine known as a glucocorticoid

Nasonex (mometasone furoate) is recommended for congested nasal turbinates, as it provides 24HR Relief of nasal congestion 2.

• Key benefits of using Nasonex (mometasone furoate) for congested nasal turbinates include:
  • Relief of nasal congestion
  • Relief of runny nose
  • Relief of sneezing
  • Relief of itchy nose
• Important usage instructions:
  • Use two sprays in each nostril every day for users age 12 or older
  • Use one spray in each nostril once daily for children age 2-11, under adult supervision 2

From the Research

Nasal Turbinates Congestion Treatment

• Nasal congestion is a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, and intranasal corticosteroids are considered the most effective treatment option 3.
• Mometasone furoate nasal spray (Nasonex) is an intranasal corticosteroid that has been shown to be effective in relieving nasal congestion in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) 4, 5.
• Studies have demonstrated that mometasone furoate nasal spray is effective in reducing nasal congestion scores and improving total nasal symptom scores in patients with SAR 4, 5.
• Mometasone furoate nasal spray has also been compared to other treatments, such as fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray, and has been found to be at least as effective in relieving nasal congestion and other symptoms of perennial rhinitis 6.
• In addition to its use in allergic rhinitis, mometasone furoate nasal spray has also been studied as a treatment for nasal blockage in chronic or idiopathic rhinosinusitis, and has been found to be effective in improving peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) scores and reducing symptoms 7.

Treatment Options

• Mometasone furoate nasal spray (Nasonex) is a commonly prescribed treatment for nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis 4, 3, 5.
• Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray is another treatment option that has been compared to mometasone furoate nasal spray in clinical trials 6.
• Powered-assisted partial turbinectomy is a surgical procedure that has been studied as a treatment for nasal blockage in chronic or idiopathic rhinosinusitis, and has been found to be effective in improving symptoms 7.

Efficacy and Safety

• Mometasone furoate nasal spray has been found to be effective in relieving nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis, with a significant reduction in nasal congestion scores and improvement in total nasal symptom scores 4, 5.
• The treatment has been found to be well-tolerated, with few and mild side effects reported in clinical trials 6, 7, 5.
• The safety and efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray have been established in numerous clinical trials, and it is considered a safe and effective treatment option for nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis 3.