‘Do not do deep inhalation and tilt your head back’: ENT surgeon demonstrates the ‘correct way’ to use a nasal spray

Uncap it
Shake it well
Position of your head — Tilt your head forward. Usually, when people use a nasal spray, they tilt their head back, but that is not the case.
Angle of the tip of the nozzle. Tilt the spray laterally (toward the outside) and always use the opposite hand for each nose opening. This is called the cross-hand technique.
Do not do deep inhalations, as this sends much of the spray into the throat, causing throat irritation. Do normal breathing after the nasal spray.

Dr Samir Garde, director, Dept of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said many people use nasal sprays, but very few use them correctly. “These steps help the medicine reach the right area without causing irritation. It is important to note a few things. Always follow the correct dose as prescribed by your doctor or as written on the pack. Clean the nozzle regularly to prevent blockages and infections. If you feel burning, bleeding, or worsening symptoms, stop using it and get medical advice,” said Dr Garde.

Nasal sprays should not be overused. Many people use decongestant sprays too often, thinking it will give quick relief, but using them for more than 3–5 days can make the blockage worse. “Another common mistake is spraying too hard or sniffing too fast, which makes the medicine run down the throat instead of staying in the nose. Using the spray correctly gives safe and effective relief without side effects,” said Dr Garde.

Dr Nayan K. Shetty, consultant ENT Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said a nasal spray may seem simple, but technique matters. “When done properly, the spray coats the nasal passages evenly and works better,” said Dr Shetty.

Why do ENT specialists ask people to avoid sniffing hard after using a spray?

A deep sniff can waste half the medicine, said Dr Shetty. “Instead of staying in the nose to reduce inflammation, it drips back into the throat. This leads to a bitter taste, coughing, and sometimes throat irritation. A gentle, natural breath is enough for the spray to settle where it should,” said Dr Shetty.

Here’s why the nasal spray may not be working (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

How can someone know if they’re using the spray incorrectly?

Common signs include:

– Medication dripping into the throat
– Persistent irritation after spraying
– No improvement in blocked nose
– Feeling the spray on the tongue
– Frequent sneezing right after use

These issues are usually related to technique, not the medicine itself, said Dr Shetty.

Are there lifestyle habits that can improve the effectiveness of nasal sprays?

Yes, nasal sprays work best when the nose is not extremely dry or irritated. ENT-friendly habits include:

– Using a saline rinse once a day
– Keeping indoor air humid, especially when using AC
– Staying hydrated

– Avoiding frequent nose picking or using earbuds inside the nose
– Reducing dust exposure at home
– Taking breaks from strong perfumes, incense, or aerosol cleaners

When lifestyle choices support nasal health, medicines work faster and often require lower doses.

Can nasal sprays be used long-term?

It depends on the type. Saline sprays are safe for daily use. “Steroid sprays can be safe for months when prescribed correctly. However, decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 5 to 7 days, as they can cause rebound congestion,” said Dr Shetty.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.