There are great alternatives to corticosteroid nasal sprays that can be more effective and safer.

Sinusitis, hayfever, sinus allergies and perennial rhinitis can all be relieved by corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Nasonex, Veramyst, Beconase and Rhinocort. They can reduce the symptoms such as blocked sinuses, runny nose, sinus pain and sneezing.

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.

These effective natural treatments have helped many a sinus sufferer relieve their symptoms.

Natural nasal sprays – SinuSoothe, Sinus Buster and Sinol are safer alternatives to steroid nasal sprays and can be just as, and in many cases, more effective than steroid nasal sprays. These natural nasal sprays rely on clinically proven natural ingredients and are being recommended by doctors in the United States. Both Sinus Buster and Sinol relieve migraines and sinus allergies by desensitizing the nasal passages to airborne allergens. SinuSoothe also relieves sinus allergies in the same manner but in addition it contains natural anti-histamines. It is also a potent natural anti-biotic and anti-fungal that kills bacterial and fungal sinus infections effectively.

Natural anti-histamines – Sinus allergy symptoms can be relieved by using natural anti-histamines such as quercetin, stinging nettle and butterbur. Unfortunately over the counter anti-histamines can have undesirable side effects whereas natural ones are pretty safe. Butterbur has been clinically proven to be just as effective as the otc ones.

Saline nasal sprays – Saline nasal sprays can be used to remove airborne irritants, clear nasal congestion and moisturize the sinus passages. Sterimar is one of the leading brands and provided the saline spray contains no artificial additives they are safe to use long term and are non addictive

Sinus irrigation – An isotonic or hypertonic solution can be used to irrigate the sinus passages to relieve nasal congestion, inflammation and remove irritants. A neti pot or similar device is used to flush the sinuses with saline solution. Isotonic solutions have the same salt concentration level found in your body whereas hypertonic solutions have a higher salt concentration. Hypertonic solutions may be better at drawing moisture and mucous from the nasal passages however they can cause irritation. It can be done daily and is a good way of improving ciliary function.

Reduce stress – Pressure is healthy, stress is not since it aggravates existing medical conditions and causes new ones. Vitamin B complex, 5htp, magnesium etc. can all be beneficial to help you to cope with it and also to relax you.

Improve immune system – Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, zinc, echinacea, garlic and a multi-vitamin can all improve your immune function and should supplement a healthy, balanced diet. They can prevent an infection from occuring, reduce the duration /frequency of infections and improve your allergy response mechanism.

Natural anti-inflammatories – By reducing inflammation you will relieve the symptoms of sinus allergies, sinusitis and perennial rhinitis. Omega 3,6 & 9 oils, turmeric, ginger and vitamin C are all excellent natural anti-inflammatories but without the side effects of Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Please take advice from your a reputable health store regarding these.

Pollen barriers – Special gels smeared inside the nostrils can catch pollen etc. before it enters your nasal passages.

Please consult your doctor before using new treatments.

Helen Miller has written numerous enlightening articles on sinus related matters that have assisted many people with their sinus conditions . She can be contacted at Sinusoothe and is always happy to provide advice on steroid nasal sprays, natural nasal spraysand other sinus treatments.