Flonase Uses

Sometimes, people have year-round nasal symptoms (such as nasal congestion, runny nose, or itchy nose) that are not caused by allergens. This is called non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis. It is caused by expansion (dilation) of the nasal blood vessels, which fills the nasal lining with fluid. Inflammation may also play a key role. Sometimes certain problems (such as infections or exposure to irritants such as smoke) can cause or worsen non-allergic rhinitis.

 

Flonase is approved to treat non-allergic rhinitis. Although it is not exactly clear how or why Flonase works for non-allergic rhinitis, studies have shown that it is an effective treatment.

 

How Does Flonase Work?

Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance -- one that does not bother most people. These immune system reactions are known as inflammation, and they involve several different types of cells and several different chemicals in the body.

 

Flonase is a corticosteroid, or simply "steroid" for short. Steroids can have many different effects in the body, including anti-inflammatory effects. Steroids decrease inflammation by limiting the body's ability to produce an immune system reaction. They can be very effective for treating conditions such as allergies. However, long-term use of steroids can cause bothersome and sometimes serious side effects, and this limits the usefulness of many steroids. Because Flonase is a nasal spray, its effects are generally limited to the nose. This helps prevent many of the long-term side effects of steroids.

 

It is not know exactly how Flonase works for non-allergic rhinitis.

 

Flonase Use in Children

Flonase is approved to treat nasal allergies or non-allergic nasal symptoms in children as young as four years old. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Flonase in children.