Cortisone for hay fever: Only use nasal sprays after consultation
Created: 06/21/2022, 16:00
By: Jasmin Pospiech
Anyone who has a pollen allergy often has it with them: a nasal spray.
Some contain cortisone, but this is not without its pitfalls.
A doctor clarifies questions.
Stuttgart – Many pollen allergy sufferers have had a difficult time again since spring.
You are struggling with the typical symptoms of hay fever.
Your eyes water, you are red, you sneeze constantly and you just feel uncomfortable.
Some then take medication, so-called antihistamines, to suppress the symptoms.
But those affected often complain about side effects, so the preparations are said to make you very tired.
Other over-the-counter remedies include decongestant nasal drops and sprays.
These often contain cortisone and are very effective, but also well tolerated.
Cortisone for hay fever: Only use nasal sprays after consultation
Cortisone nasal sprays are very effective for hay fever and can relieve symptoms.
(Iconic image) © Science Photo Library/Imago
Cortisone is an effective active ingredient from the group of glucocorticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids for short.
The latter occur naturally as hormones in the body.
However, they are also produced artificially and used in medicines such as nasal sprays.
Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory properties and soothe the extremely irritated nasal mucosa of pollen allergy sufferers.
In addition, according to the "Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung" (DAK), studies have shown that the typical symptoms in children and adults with allergic rhinitis should have decreased after their use.
These include:
Sneeze
itch
Runny nose
Difficult breathing
In addition, cortisone therapy should also reduce eye symptoms such as itching, tears and swelling.
In addition, asthma symptoms have also improved in people who suffer from hay fever and asthma at the same time.
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Cortisone for hay fever: Only use nasal sprays after consultation
Nevertheless, the DAK advises only using cortisone nasal sprays after a doctor has diagnosed a pollen allergy.
If the diagnosis is clear, he will discuss the next treatment steps with you and also prescribe an appropriate medication.
In addition, advice and information are available from doctors and pharmacies for the new pollen season.
The three most well-known cortisone nasal sprays are:
beclomethasone
mometasone furoate
Fluticasone Propionate
However, their effect only occurs three to 36 hours after the first dose.
In addition, the over-the-counter preparations are only approved from the age of 18.
However, since November 2018 they can be prescribed on a health insurance prescription, and the statutory health insurance companies will cover the costs.
But only if the hay fever symptoms are permanent, i.e. occur more than four times a week and for longer than four weeks.
Finally, another criterion is how severe the symptoms are and whether they severely restrict the person affected in his or her everyday life.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.