How to use nasal sprays in children?

 Treatment of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) with intranasal sprays

Intranasal sprays can be very effective in treating mild obstructive sleep apnoea in children by reducing swelling inside the nostrils and potentially shrinking the adenoids. The adenoids are similar to tonsils but are located at the back of the nose. There are saline (salt water) sprays and steroid sprays. Your doctor may recommend using a saline nasal spray first, daily for a 6 week period.

Types of nasal sprays prescribed:

• Normal Saline

• Mometasone (Nasonex)

• Olopatadine/Mometasone (Ryaltris)

• Azelastine/Mometasone (Dymista)

• Fluticasone (Avamys)

Be Patient: It can take a few weeks before you notice any improvement, so it’s important to continue using the spray consistently even if there’s no immediate effect.

Improve technique of nasal spray delivery –Watch the video on https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/asthma-videos/

Scroll down to “How to use a nasal spray” - source RCH

Dose: 1 spray in each nostril every evening for 6 weeks. A good tip is to keep the spray near your child’s toothbrush to help establish a routine. If you miss an occasional dose, that’s okay, but regular use is important to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.

1. Gently blow your nose to clear it of mucous before using the medicine.

2. Remove the cap. Shake the bottle.

3. Tilt your head forward slightly. Breathe out slowly.

4. Hold the pump bottle with your thumb at the bottom and your index and middle fingers on top. Use a finger on your other hand to close your nostril on the side not receiving the medicine.

5. Aim the nozzle to the outer aspect of the nares – see video below

6. Squeeze the pump as you begin to breathe in slowly through your nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril.

7. Try not to blow your nose just after using the spray.