"Is it safe to spray nasal spray for rhinitis into the mouth?"

Some nasal spray medications can be administered into the mouth, but it is generally not recommended for patients to do so. Nasal spray medications primarily include glucocorticoids, antihistamines, decongestants, anti-leukotriene drugs, and antibiotics. Among them, it is usually glucocorticoids that are applied into the mouth.

1. Glucocorticoids:

Examples include budesonide nasal spray and fluticasone propionate nasal spray. Glucocorticoids possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, which can reduce nasal mucosal edema and alleviate nasal symptoms. In this case, nasal spray medications can be administered into the mouth. However, spraying into the mouth may lead to the drug entering the oral cavity through the throat, potentially causing adverse effects such as throat dryness and hoarseness.

2. Antihistamines:

Such as azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray, which is primarily used for allergic rhinitis to alleviate symptoms like runny nose, nasal itching, and sneezing. Spraying it into the mouth may cause the drug to directly enter the oral cavity through the throat, potentially inducing adverse reactions like irritative cough and throat irritation.

3. Decongestants:

For instance, ephedrine and menthol nasal drops, which can alleviate nasal congestion caused by rhinitis. However, administering them into the mouth may cause vasoconstriction under the nasal mucosa, leading to pale nasal mucosa and dry nasal cavity, thus it is not recommended.

4. Anti-leukotriene Drugs:

Like montelukast sodium tablets. When used in conjunction with nasal spray medications, leukotriene receptor antagonists like montelukast can improve symptoms like watery rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by rhinitis. Nevertheless, it is still not advisable to spray nasal medications into the mouth.

5. Antibiotics:

If the purpose of using nasal medications is to improve symptoms like nasal congestion and rhinorrhea, administering them into the mouth is not recommended as it may promote bacterial growth in the oral cavity, potentially leading to oral infections.