Nasal steroid advice question

[Sorryformyselfagain]

I’ve been feeling awful with a sinus infection for 8 weeks, I had antibiotics last week which seamed to work but once the they finished the symptoms came back, I have another course of antibiotics the GP also prescribed nasal steroids.

I have been really really reluctant to take these as in the past I used an over the counter nasal spray and it made the back of my nose swell up making me incredibly uncomfortable and very very claustrophobic which in turned caused panic attacks. The effect lasted a few days ( I knew I was perfectly safe but my body just went into panic)

I am really really worried that the nasal steroids will do the same thing, I have avoided taking them so far. The GP said they work inline with the antibiotics and the infection may not go away without them.

At this stage I’m just exhausted.

Has anyone had any experience with the steroids causing issues? I have read a lot of threads where they have really helped but I’m still very concerned about the reaction I had to the over the counter spray I used previously, I can’t remember which spray it was so can’t be sure what I actually reacted too.

Thank you

It should have the exact opposite effect, so you should start feeling miles better.

When sprayed into the nose, steroids reduce inflammation (swelling). This can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. It can also help to reduce the size of any swellings (such as polyps in your nose.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroid-nasal-sprays/#:~:text=When%20sprayed%20into%20the%20nose,as%20polyps%20in%20your%20nose.

Have a Google for a video, or read instructions, about exactly how to administer them. Many people point nasal sprays in the wrong area for them to get to where they need to be in order to be effective.
https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Respiratory/How-to-use-a-nasal-spray-patient-information.pdf

Not even a little bit. I've used a steroidal spray for about 3yrs for rhinitis. And I have claustrophobia and never felt that with any spray.

Thank you I’ve read they should help inflammation but think I’m still really wary after my reaction to sprays before, I think I’m going to need to try them as it doesn’t seam to be going away without them.
Thank you for the links, the instructions are a really good point.

That is really good to hear thank you, do they just work on congestion in the nose? Some days my nose is clearer than others but the pain in my cheek bones and forehead is awful, do they clear the also clear inflammation at those points?

When you say over the counter do you mean a steroid spray or one of those unblocked becsue after a time they make your nose feel more blockked and give the feeling you describe.

Steroid spray either OTC or prescription should not that

Oh please don't worry. The over the counter sprays can be use only up to 3 days - otherwise they can cause inflammation and side effects like you described

But prescribed nasal steroids are completely different - I'm using them daily for many years now and they definitely help with inflammation and don't have side effects like over the counter sprays

I got sick for 3 weeks around Xmas and turned into sinusitis. Got antibiotics and steroid spay and together they got rid of the infection quite fast. I didn't have any side effects and neither did my dad who got sick at the same time with the same.

Thank you, it was a long time ago now ( about 10 years ) I can’t remember what spray it was sadly but I think it was a congestion type spray?

I’m not sure how long steroid sprays have been available over the counter?

Do they share the same ingredients or are they very separate things?
The panic attacks and discomfort I felt were so bad that I haven’t looked at them since.

The OTC sprays won't have been steroid sprays they would have been decongestant ones which work for as long as you use them and stop as soon as you stop. But also they can build up a reliance on them. So long term they are awful as they make it worse.

Nasal steroid spray is completely different. You likely won't feel the effects straight away but after a few months.

Thank you, I think I may have used a different type of spray previously then? The effects were so bad I haven’t risked it since.

Do you find they just work on congestion or do they also help with the pain in the cheekbones, head etc?

I’m just so tried of feeling like this, I thought the antibiotics had worked but it’s back as bad as ever today.

Your sinuses include spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead, so you need to try this to understand how it will help. You will not feel any immediate difference, it may take a few doses or days to have a significant impact so if you keep putting it off your symptoms will not improve.

@Sorryformyselfagain

Thank you, it was a long time ago now ( about 10 years ) I can’t remember what spray it was sadly but I think it was a congestion type spray?

I suspect you are right, don't worry steroid spray will not have the same effect

I’m not sure how long steroid sprays have been available over the counter?

I have no idea, I don't remember not being she to buy them though. I get a prescription but I will grab a beconase or pirinase in Tesco if I'm running low

Do they share the same ingredients or are they very separate things?

Very different

The panic attacks and discomfort I felt were so bad that I haven’t looked at them since.

It's a 'rebound' effect you get from the decongestant sprays, you honestly will be ok with a steroid.

You are absolutely right, I think its a case of fear overriding common sense in this instance, totally unlike me at all, I think it is fear of the past experience that is making me worry, I do need to take them and will give them a try, thank you

Thank you everyone for the kind words and reassurance, I’m going to try them, I honestly don’t want to feel this awful any longer.