Mometasone nasal spray is one method of treating the symptoms of rhinitis, a condition in which the interior of the nose becomes irritated and inflamed. Symptoms can include a congested or blocked nose, sneezing, a runny nose with watery discharge, or itchy nose. It is typically due to allergies like hay fever. To better understand Mometasone nasal spray and its role in rhinitis treatment, the uses, instructions and side effects should be informed.

What Is Mometasone Nasal Spray?

Mometasone nasal spray can be used to prevent or treat the symptoms of perennial or short-term allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Adults can also use it to treat their nasal polyps.

Mometasone is a corticosteroid or a cortisone-like medication that works by stopping specific cells from releasing the substances that may lead to an allergic reaction. You can only get it with a prescription and it is only available as a nasal spray.

What Can Mometasone Nasal Spray Be Used For?

1. Treat Nasal Polyps

Polyps are grape-like swellings that are the result of swollen nasal tissue. They can cause stuffiness, loss of smell, and discomfort in the nose. Mometasone can treat those with nasal polyps who are 18 years or older.

2. Relieve and Prevent Allergic Rhinitis

Mometasone nasal spray is commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis. In this case, it is sprayed directly into the nose as a way to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, discharge, and stuffiness. Some doctors will prescribe it as a preventative measure 2 to 4 weeks before pollen season. It can be used to treat and prevent allergic rhinitis in those over 3 years old.

3. Treat Acute Rhinosinusitis

Those who are at least 12 years old and don't have signs of any severe bacterial infection can also use Mometasone nasal spray to treat acute rhinosinusitiswhen the sinuses swell, leading to stuffiness, large amounts of mucus, face pain, cough, and fever. These symptoms usually last no more than 4 weeks. Besides, a doctor will prescribe the medication for other reasons when necessary.

How to Apply Mometasone Nasal Spray

1. What to Prepare Before Using

As with all other medications, Mometasone nasal spray isn't ideal for everyone, including people with certain conditions. Make sure that you inform your doctor of the following conditions:

• ŸYou have had an allergic reaction after taking any medication.
• You are on any other medications, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, complementary medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies.
• You are pregnant.
• You have tuberculosis.
• ŸYou recently had nasal surgery.
• You have a nasal infection.

2. How to Use It Step by Step

When using a Mometasone nasal spray, always follow the directions on the packaging and gently shake the bottle before using it.

• To use it for the very first time, you will need to pump it in the air about 10 times until it produces a mist to prime it. You will need to pump it twice into the air if you don't use it for 14 days.
• Use the Mometasone nasal spray in advance for allergies. Those with allergies should ideally begin using the spray several days before they think they will come in contact with the allergen and then keep using it during exposure to your allergen.
• For treating allergies like hay fever, those over 12 should spray each nostril twice a single time a day. After symptoms reduce, you might be able to lower the dosage to one spray per nostril. In some cases, your doctor will increase your dosage to up to four sprays per nostril daily before reducing back down to two. Always use the lowest necessary dose and follow your doctor's instructions. Those between ages 3 and 11 will typically be prescribed one spray per nostril per day.
• To treat nasal polyps with Mometasone, those over 18 should do two sprays in each of their nostrils once daily. If symptoms don't improve after 5 or 6 weeks, your doctor may increase the dosage to two sprays per nostril twice a day. When symptoms are controlled, the dosage will be reduced to the lowest possible amount to keep them under control.
• If you have forgotten to use the spray, do it immediately you think of that, but skip the missed one if it is almost time for the next dose and just do the next spray directly. Never take more than one dose to make up the missed one at the same time.
• If you don't feel any improvement while using the medication, tell your doctor or your pharmacist as soon as possible to seek for possible alternate treatment.

Possible Side Effects of Mometasone Nasal Spray

While the medicine helps most people, some will experience unwanted side effects. Most of the time, it needs no medical treatment, but those who over 65 years old might have a higher risk of side effects.

While most people don't notice side effects, you may have a headache, blood-tinged mucus or nosebleeds, sneezing, sore throat, irritation or burning within the nose following use. These are normal symptoms for corticosteroid nasal sprays. But stop using the nasal spray when you develop breathlessness, wheezing, or a rash since you may have an allergy.

It is also possible for some people to experience other side effects not mentioned above, so let your doctor know if you feel any discomfort. When corticosteroid sprays are used long-term, there may be other side effects so your doctor should periodically examine your eyes and nose to make sure there are no side effects.

More Precautions About Mometasone Nasal Spray

You should store Mometasone nasal spray in a closed container at room temperature being away from freezing, direct light, moisture, and heat. Place it out of children's reach.

Throw away the bottle after 120 sprays. Also, don't keep medicine that you no longer need or is expired; instead, ask your doctor about how to dispose of it.

Don't share your medicine with others.Clean your nasal applicator by taking off the plastic cap then pulling the white nasal applicator gently upwards so it is free. Wash the cap and applicator in cold water, dry them, then replace the applicator, and finally replace the plastic cap.