Steroid nose sprays relieve hay fever straight away

What the research found

Guidance from a children's hospital in Melbourne lists steroid nose sprays as first-line treatment for hay fever in children. It says it takes 2 to 4 weeks of use before maximum benefit is reached. It also advises continuing for at least 3 to 6 months of continuous treatment.

A UK patient leaflet says steroid nose spray will not produce immediate relief and can take 2 to 3 weeks of regular use before full benefit is seen. It suggests starting 2 to 3 weeks before symptoms are likely to begin. NHS information on mometasone spray also says it may take a few days or up to several weeks to work fully.

The guidance supports steroid sprays as a main treatment. The point is timing and regular use. Some benefit may appear sooner than full effect, but the guidance does not describe the sprays as giving instant relief.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean steroid sprays don't work. They are a main treatment for hay fever, but they work best when used every day, not only when symptoms flare.
• Age rules differ. NHS information says mometasone spray for children aged 3 to 17 is prescription only, so talk to a GP, pharmacist or child health nurse before using one on a child.
• See a GP if symptoms continue despite regular spray use and avoiding triggers. The Melbourne guidance suggests specialist referral if symptoms persist after 3 to 6 months of optimal treatment.