Yes, you too. That nasal spray that saves your life every winter and spring has probably been used incorrectly. Now doctors are revealing how, with proper use, you'll no longer be "treating" your throat instead of your nose.
It sounds like a new conspiracy theory, but it's actually a medical fact: most of us nasal spray is used completely incorrectly.
One of those viral TikTok confessions – this time from Amber Guttilla – revealed a rather unpleasant truth: after 30 years (!) of use, she discovered that the medication doesn't work optimally if you aim it straight up your nose. Who would have thought?
Not against the brain, but against the eye
If you've been simply pushing the spray into your nostril and pressing down hard – in the "more like a syringe, more helps" style – then we've got news for you. Doctors recommend pointing the nozzle of the spray towards the outer corner of the eye, not towards the middle of the head.
Why? Simple. If the spray hits the nasal septum—that wall in the middle of your nose that tends to bleed and dry out—then the medicine doesn't get where your body really needs it. The real target is the turbinates, where the inflamed tissues are located, and the medicine gets there most easily if you aim the spray sideways.
@amber.guttilla It's literally working so much better for me now I had NO IDEA there was a technique to this 👃🏻 #flonase #allergies #seasonalallergies #flonasehack ♬ original sound – Amber Rose
Less deep, more impact
And another bonus tip for all those who find themselves panting like a marathon runner at the finish line when spraying: stop the horses. Inhaling too deeply means the medicine lands in your throat – which is more of a pain than a benefit, as it doesn't really help there. As New York allergist Dr. Robert Sporter says: subtle sniffing is key. So not a whiff of air, but an elegant perfume-style whiff.
And that cheek pulling? It's not magic, but it can help
One of the more popular techniques online is to gently pull on your cheekbones to widen your nostril and create a “highway” for the spray. Dr. Sporter doesn’t think it’s necessary, but it can help. If you manage to look like a yoga master for nostrils—that’s great.
Timely use and risk of addiction
Did you miss the "official" start of the season? allergic spray? Don't panic - there's still time to get started on proper use. It's just important to use the spray regularly, not just when you're already sneezing like a bonfire.
But be careful! Don't reach for decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline or phenylephrine if you plan on using them for more than three days. Why? Because your nose quickly gets used to them, and you become a slave to the spray. Steroid sprays like Flonase are more gentle, but here too, the rule applies: consistency is queen.
Conclusion: less chaos, more breathing
If you feel like you’ve just discovered a personal pharmaceutical epiphany – you’re not alone. A nasal spray can be your best friend during pollen season, but only if you use it correctly. So – lean back, aim it at your eye, sniff gently and… breathe a sigh of relief.
If this dispersing truth surprised you, share the article with your friends – the likelihood that they are also using it incorrectly is surprisingly high.
