For decades, many of us were taught to tilt our heads back to administer nasal spray, a practice that is now known to be counterproductive. This common error prevents the medication from reaching its intended target—the sinus and nasal passages—and instead sends it dripping down the back of your throat. Understanding the proper technique can greatly improve the medication's efficacy and reduce undesirable side effects. This guide will walk you through the correct procedure and explain why the old method is flawed.
Why Tilting Your Head Back is the Wrong Approach
While it may feel intuitive to tilt your head back to prevent a mess, this action actually works against the medication's purpose. The nasal cavity contains several key areas that need to be coated with the spray for optimal absorption. When you tilt your head backward, gravity takes over, and the liquid medication bypasses these crucial areas and slides directly down your throat.
This improper administration leads to several issues:
- Reduced Effectiveness: Since the medicine doesn't stay in the nasal passages long enough to be absorbed, its therapeutic effects are significantly diminished.
- Unpleasant Taste: Swallowing the medication can result in an unpleasant, bitter taste in the back of your throat.
- Throat and Stomach Irritation: The active ingredients can cause irritation to the throat and stomach lining.
- Nasal Septum Irritation: Tilting back and spraying upwards often directs the spray directly at the nasal septum—the cartilage that divides your nostrils. This area is delicate and highly vascular, and consistent irritation can lead to dryness and nosebleeds.
The Correct Head Position and Administration Technique
Achieving the right head position is key, but it's only one step in a simple, multi-part process. For most standard pump-bottle nasal sprays, follow this method to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Nasal Spray Use
- Preparation: Begin by gently blowing your nose to clear any mucus that might block the medication from reaching the nasal passages. Wash your hands with soap and water. If you have a new bottle or haven't used it in a while, shake it well and prime the pump by spraying a few times into the air until a fine mist appears.
- Head Position: Instead of leaning back, stay in an upright position and tilt your head slightly forward. A good visualization is to look down at your toes. This angle uses gravity to help the medicine coat the upper and outer parts of the nasal cavity where it is needed.
- Insert and Aim: Insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril. To avoid spraying the sensitive septum, aim the nozzle towards the outer wall of your nostril, as if pointing it towards your ear or the outer corner of your eye. Many people find it helpful to use the opposite hand (right hand for the left nostril, and vice versa) to achieve this angle. Gently press your finger against the other nostril to close it.
- Spray and Breathe: As you press the pump down to release the spray, breathe in slowly and gently through your nose. Do not sniff forcefully or aggressively, as this can draw the medicine down your throat. The pump action is usually sufficient to deliver the medication.
- Finish and Repeat: Remove the nozzle from your nostril and breathe out through your mouth. Wait for about 10-20 seconds before repeating the process for the other nostril, and for additional sprays if instructed. Do not blow your nose for at least 15 minutes after administration to allow the medicine to absorb.
Different Types of Nasal Sprays and Their Technique
While the forward-tilt method applies to most pump-bottle sprays, technique can vary slightly depending on the product. It is always best to read the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Pump-Bottle Sprays (e.g., Flonase, Nasacort): These are the most common and require the slight forward head tilt.
- Pressurized Canisters (e.g., some decongestants): For these, you may be instructed to keep your head completely upright or in a neutral position.
- Specialized Sprays (e.g., migraine medications): Certain specialized products, like some sumatriptan nasal sprays, may have specific, different instructions regarding head positioning, including a slight backward tilt.
Common Nasal Spray Mistakes vs. Correct Practices
| Characteristic | Incorrect Method (Tilting Back) | Correct Method (Tilting Forward) |
|---|---|---|
| Head Position | Tilted far backward. | Tilted slightly forward, looking at toes. |
| Spray Aim | Straight up the nostril, towards the septum. | Angled away from the septum, towards the outer nostril wall. |
| Breathing | Aggressive sniffing. | Gentle, slow inhale as you spray. |
| Hand Placement | Same hand for same nostril, causing bad angle. | Opposite hand for opposite nostril (crisscross) for better angle. |
| Post-Spray Action | Immediately blowing nose. | Avoiding blowing nose for 5-15 minutes. |
| Outcome | Medication runs down throat, less effective, potential irritation and nosebleeds. | Medication stays in nasal passages, maximizing absorption and minimizing side effects. |
Conclusion: Maximizing the Benefits of Nasal Spray
Forgetting the traditional, outdated technique of tilting your head back is a crucial first step toward effective nasal spray use. By adopting the correct method—a slight forward head tilt, proper aiming, and gentle inhalation—you ensure the medication is delivered to the areas of your nasal cavity where it can provide the most benefit. Always remember to read the specific product instructions and consult a pharmacist or physician if you have any questions. The correct application technique is essential for achieving relief from nasal congestion, allergies, and other conditions and for avoiding common side effects. For more information on nasal allergies and proper technique, visit the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.
