This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Use Flonase

Flonase is a popular intranasal spray many people use to relieve their pesky allergy symptoms, like itchy eyes and a runny nose, or nasal polyps. The medicine is available over the counter or by prescription. According to the Mayo Clinic, Flonase, also known as Fluticasone, is a steroid medicine.

How much Flonase a person should take depends on several different factors, such as age, symptoms, and strength of the medicine. RxList recommends adults use two sprays in each nostril once a day with a limit of 200 mcg, or micrograms, per day. Fortunately, you don't have to take it multiple times a day. Children ages four to 11 should only use one spray per nostril each day, and as with adults, should not go over a 200 mcg limit. Flonase is not recommended for children under four years old, and it's possible that the medicine may slow the growth rate of some children.

How Flonase works against allergies

Flonase works like other nasal sprays by relieving nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny nose. According to Flonase, the medicine also helps alleviate any swelling you may experience in your nasal passages. Once swelling in the nasal passages has gone down, you're usually able to breathe out of your nose much easier than before. Despite Flonase being labeled as a steroid medicine, it doesn't bulk up the inside of your nose. The nasal spray simply contains glucocorticoid, which is a substance made naturally in your body that helps fight off inflammation.

Like most medicines on the market, those who take Flonase may experience some mild side effects. Some side effects of Flonase include a bloody nose and headache. If you experience concerning side effects like rash, swelling, wheezing, or feeling faint, be sure to see your doctor.

To ensure your body is getting the most out of the spray, mark how many sprays you use and then throw away the bottle once you've reached the limit listed on the bottle. According to WebMD, the nasal spray was designed to work for only a certain amount of sprays, and after that limit is reached, you should discard the bottle.