From the Guidelines
Fluticasone nasal spray is a recommended treatment option for nasal congestion due to viral illness, as it has been shown to reduce total symptom score in adults suffering from acute post-viral rhinosinusitis, although the effect is small. The recommended dosage for adults is typically 1-2 sprays in each nostril once or twice daily, while children's dosing varies by age (usually 1 spray per nostril daily for children 4+ years) 1. Begin using it at the onset of symptoms and continue for the duration of the viral illness, usually 7-10 days.
Key Points to Consider
- Before first use, prime the bottle by pumping 6-8 times until a fine mist appears.
- To use properly, gently blow your nose first, shake the bottle, tilt your head slightly forward, insert the tip into your nostril away from the septum, and spray while breathing in gently.
- Fluticasone works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which helps decrease congestion, but it may take 12-24 hours to notice improvement.
- Side effects may include nasal irritation, headache, or nosebleeds.
- If symptoms persist beyond 10-14 days or worsen, consult a healthcare provider as this could indicate a bacterial infection or other condition requiring different treatment 1. It's essential to note that acute post-viral rhinosinusitis is a self-limiting disease, and the use of nasal corticosteroids should be considered only when reduction of symptoms is necessary, as advised by the EPOS2020 steering group 1.
From the Research
Nasal Congestion due to Viral Illness
- Nasal congestion is a common symptom of upper respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold 2.
- It can lead to sequelae such as sinusitis, otitis media, and sleep disturbances 2.
Treatment of Nasal Congestion
- Intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) are recommended as first-line therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion 3.
- INSs have been shown to be effective in relieving nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis 3.
- However, there is no direct evidence on the use of fluticasone for nasal congestion due to viral illness in the provided studies.
Alternative Treatments
- Saline nasal irrigation has been suggested as a potential treatment for reducing viral load and relieving symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections 4, 5, 6.
- Saline nasal irrigation may help to reduce bio-aerosols and viral load, promote ciliary beating, and improve mucociliary clearance 4.
- Oral rinse with antimicrobial agents may also be efficacious in reducing the viral load in oral fluids 6.
Fluticasone for Nasal Congestion
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies on the use of fluticasone for nasal congestion due to viral illness.
- However, intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone are commonly used to treat nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis 3.