Steroids
Steroid nasal sprays are among the most effective treatments available for the nasal symptoms of hay fever. Some are sold over the counter; others are prescribed by a GP.
How They Work
Hay fever symptoms are caused by inflammation in the lining of the nose. Steroid sprays reduce that inflammation directly at the site, which is why they work well on a blocked or streaming nose, sneezing and postnasal drip.
They take time to build up. Most need several days of consistent daily use before the full effect is felt, which is why they are usually started before the season begins rather than reached for on a bad day.
What To Know Before Using Them
Because they act on the nose, they do very little for symptoms elsewhere. If itchy, watering eyes are your main problem, a nasal spray on its own is unlikely to solve it, and many people use one alongside eye drops or an antihistamine.
They are medicines, and they can cause side effects. Nasal dryness, irritation and nosebleeds are the ones people report most often, and using the correct spraying technique reduces the likelihood of them. Your pharmacist can show you how.
If you are pregnant, buying for a child, or already using a steroid treatment for asthma or eczema, speak to your GP or pharmacist beforehand.
How The Hay-Band Compares
The Hay-Band contains no drugs of any kind and nothing is absorbed into the body. There is nothing to build up and nothing to stop. It can be worn alongside taking a steroid nasal spray without affecting it.