The Best Alternatives To Steroid Nasal Sprays Such As Nasonex, Veramyst, Beconase And Rhinocort

There are extremely effective alternatives to steroid nasal sprays such as Nasonex, Veramyst, Beconase, Rhinocort, Flonase, Flixonase and Otravine.

Steroid nasal sprays can be used to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis. They can reduce inflammation and histamine production in the nasal passages thereby relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sinus pain, headaches etc.

However they have the following disadvantages;

• They do not effectively treat bacterial or fungal sinusitis because they only relieve the symptoms and do not get rid of the underlying bacterial or fungal infection.
• They can cause side effects such as nasal ulcers, cataracts, headaches, sore throat etc.
• They do not work for everyone.

The following natural treatments have helped many people with nasal conditions and do not cause the side effects associated with steroid nasal sprays.

• Natural nasal sprays - Natural nasal sprays such as SinuSoothe are doctor recommended and contain clinically proven ingredients. It kills bacterial and fungal infections, reduces histamine, desensitises the nasal passages to allergens, removes airborne irritants and relieves inflammation and associated symptoms. It is completely safe and non-addictive. Uses -  treats and relieves the symptoms of sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis. 
• Natural anti-histamines - Butterbur, stinging nettle etc. are all excellent at reducing histamine thereby relieving the symptoms of allergies and rhinitis. Butterbur in particular has been clinically proven to be just as effective as over the counter anti-histamines but without the side effects. Uses - treats and relieves the symptoms of hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis.
• Saline nasal sprays - Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar may be useful for moisturising the nasal passages, removing airborne irritants and relieving nasal congestion. They can be either isotonic or hypertonic solutions. These can be used long term, have no side effects and are non-addictive. However they are not particularly useful at reducing histamine (which causes allergic rhinitis) or killing bacterial and fungal infections. Uses - limited use to relieve sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis.
• Nasal irrigation - A neti pot is used to irrigate the sinuses with either an isotonic or hypertonic solution. An isotonic solution has the same salt concentration as your body. A hypertonic solution has a higher salt content and may be more useful at drawing moisture and mucous from the sinuses. This may help reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion. It is a good practice for keeping your sinuses clean and removing irritants. It is completely safe provided you use the correct saline solution. It may help get rid of sinus infections however it does not reduce histamine. Uses - sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis.
• Reducing stress levels - Stress contributes to ill health and should be minimised whenever possible. It reduces immune function and causes ‘flare ups'. Vitamin B complex assists the body during stressful times and magnesium, 5htp etc. can help to relax you. There are also plenty of other supplements that can relieve stress and help you to cope with it better. Pressure is healthy, stress is not.
• Exercise - Exercise has been known to reduce chronic sinusitis symptoms since the endorphins released during exercise act as natural painkillers. It can also improve immune function provided it is not over strenuous.
• Boosting immune system - Eating a balanced diet and supplementing with good quality vitamins etc. will improve immune system function and your ability to fight infection. Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, garlic and a multi-vitamin & mineral would help boost your immune system. Your local health food store should be able to advise you.
• Natural anti-inflammatories- Since the symptoms of nasal conditions are caused by inflammation (either caused by infection or histamine) it follows that by reducing inflammation you will reduce the severity of the symptoms. Omega 3,6 &9 oils, vitamin C, turmeric and ginger are all excellent natural anti-inflammatories. There are plenty of others and your local health food store should be able to advise you on these. It usually takes about 4 weeks for these to start taking effect. Uses - treats and relieves the symptoms of sinusitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis.
• Pollen barriers - Pollen barriers such as special barrier gel inside the nostrils can catch pollen before it enters the nasal passages thus relieving hay fever symptoms.