Qnasl contains beclomethasone, a corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators as well as the inflammatory cells (like – eosinophils, mast cells, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and macrophages).
Uses
It is a topical steroid spray that may be useful in reducing snoring and as an adjunctive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep).
Furthermore, it can help to treat nasal symptoms associated with perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis for people who are 12 years of age or older.
Dosage
It is available as a nasal spray. The usual recommended dose is 1 to 2 sprays in each nostril once a day.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Beclomethasone
Common side effects may include:
- dry nose;
- nasal irritation;
- watery eyes;
- nosebleeds (epistaxis);
- lightheadedness;
- a runny nose;
- headaches;
- nausea;
- distorted sense of taste;
- sneezing;
- dry throat.
Rare side effects may include:
- glaucoma;
- perforation of the nasal septum;
- blood vessel swelling (angioedema);
- growth suppression (in children);
- adrenal suppression;
- high cortisol levels;
- cataracts (a clouding of the lens in the eye which affects vision);
- infection with Candida albicans yeast;
- nasal ulcer.
More importantly, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to:
- loss of interest in sex;
- impotence;
- menstrual problems;
- increased acne;
- changes in the shape of body fat;
- easy bruising;
- thinning skin.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Claritin (loratadine);
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
- aspirin;
- Afrin (oxymetazoline nasal);
- amoxicillin;
- Allegra (fexofenadine);
- albuterol.
Contraindications
To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your healthcare professional if you have:
- recently had surgery on the nose;
- asthma;
- white-colored patches in the throat or mouth;
- a fungal infection of the mouth, nose, or throat;
- ulcers in the nose;
- tuberculosis;
- herpes simplex infection;
- cataracts;
- glaucoma;
- nosebleeds.
Flonase
It is a nasal spray containing fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid that prevents the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation.
Uses
It can help relieve allergy eye symptoms, like – watery eyes. Also, it is used to relieve year-round and seasonal non-allergic and allergic nasal symptoms, like – itching, stuffy/runny nose, and sneezing.
Note – this nasal spray should not be used to treat symptoms of a runny nose caused by the common cold.
Dosage
For symptoms of hay fever:
Children 4 years of age and older should use 1 spray in each nostril once per day. Some children may need 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.
Adults should start with 2 sprays in each nostril once per day. Some adults may need 1 spray in each nostril two times per day (ideally, in the morning and evening).
Note – this nasal spray is not recommended for children younger than 4 years of age.
While using this medicine for the first time, shake the bottle softly and taking away the dust cover is mandatory. Also, prime this nasal spray if it has not been used for more than 1 week.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Fluticasone
Common side effects may include:
- ore throat;
- back pain;
- headaches;
- white patches inside the nose;
- minor nosebleed;
- sinus pain;
- low libido;
- menstrual problems.
Rare side effects may include:
- seeing halos around lights;
- ongoing nosebleeds;
- eye pain;
- blurred vision;
- crusting around the nostrils;
- wounds which will not heal;
- noisy breathing;
- flu symptoms;
- vomiting;
- redness in the mouth or throat;
- nausea;
- unusual weakness;
- chills;
- fever.
For some people, the use of this medication may result in an allergic reaction, with symptoms including:
- difficulty while breathing;
- swelling of the face and neck;
- rashes.
Before using this nasal spray, tell your healthcare provider if you have experienced:
- cataracts;
- glaucoma;
- liver disease;
- herpes eye infection;
- tuberculosis;
- nasal surgery.
There are no conclusive clinical studies in pregnant women regarding its safe use, therefore, if you are pregnant, it is better to avoid this nasal spray.
Qnasl vs Flonase – Which Is The Best Steroid Nasal Spray?
Qnasl is a steroid nasal spray that works best when used regularly for nasal allergy symptoms.
On the other hand, Flonase is an excellent first-choice treatment for allergies of the nose, however, long-term use can considerably increase the risk of nosebleeds.
Natural Remedies For Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a frequent condition, which affects about 15 percent of the United States population. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to inhaled substances. Then, the body releases chemicals which cause allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be observed easily. They include:
- a dry cough;
- a sore throat;
- headaches;
- stuffy nose;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- itchy throat, mouth, ears, and face;
- swollen eyelids;
- blockage of nasal passage;
- frequent sneezing with loud snoring noise;
- swelling of the face;
- watery eyes;
- post-nasal drip.
Causes
There are numerous things that can cause it, including:
- mold;
- pollen, from plants, trees, and grass;
- animal fur and dander;
- dust, including the type of dust, usually found in your home;
- certain drugs, especially antibiotics;
- insect stings and bites;
- some foods, like gluten, dairy products (ice cream, cheese, cakes, pizza), eggs, tree nuts (peanuts), soybeans, and shellfish.
Here are five home remedies:
#1 Ginger
This spice is considered one of the most effective home remedies for various problems, including allergic rhinitis. This is most likely due to its potent anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, antiviral, and antibacterial attributes.
Moreover, ginger can help to cleanse the lymphatic system as well as it can help break down the accumulation of toxins in the internal organs.
#2 Turmeric
It is a spice that belongs to the ginger family. Turmeric is used to cure many health problems, like allergies, due to its content of curcumin, a plant compound that acts as a decongestant.
Also, according to some studies, the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin are useful in suppressing the inflammatory processes in the human body, hence, it helps to prevent the occurrence of many conditions.
#3 Garlic
Garlic has many benefits for human health, like – improving bone health, boosting the immune system, and detoxifying the body of heavy metals.
#4 Apple Cider Vinegar
The antihistamine properties of ACV make it beneficial when dealing with allergic rhinitis.
#5 Quercetin
Quercetin, a natural bioflavonoid (technically considered a plant pigment), is a potent antioxidant that is known to help reduce inflammation, which actually means that quercetin fights the natural process of oxidation.
Images source – Shutterstock & Getty
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References https://www.rxlist.com/qnasl-drug.htm https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2012/202813Orig1s000SumR.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25168223 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17300361
I never could stand the “taste” of Flonase. It is a wet solution and drips down the back of the throat. Qnasl feels like an alcohol-based medication. There is a momentary burn when used, but it is gone in a second. Qnasl was my miracle drug when my prescription was covered by insurance. I added the “$15 a month” coupon from Teva, and it was highly affordable. It would currently be a minimum of $250 a month with a GoodRx code. When I was using it, I did not buy tissues. That is not an exaggeration. I am a life-long, year-round allergy sufferer, and that is a miracle! My eyes didn’t itch, I didn’t get symptoms of itchy palate, and I didn’t sneeze. Also, I got sick a lot less often, which makes me think that inflammation made me more susceptible to getting sick. If your insurance covers Qnasl and your doctor says it’s okay for you to use, it is definitely preferable over Flonase.