Our most recent Cochrane review on Intranasal Corticosteroids (steroids nasal sprays) for non-allergic rhinitis has now been published. Here’s the key results from the plain language summary:
Key results
Intranasal corticosteroids compared with placebo
It is uncertain whether intranasal corticosteroids reduce patient‐reported disease severity in non‐allergic rhinitis patients compared with placebo when measured at up to three months. They may improve patient‐reported disease severity compared with placebo at up to four weeks, however this evidence is of low certainty. Treatment with intranasal corticosteroids probably increases the risk of epistaxis (nosebleed) but there is no difference in the risk of other adverse effects. It is not possible to tell from this review whether there is a difference between the different concentrations, delivery methods or treatment plans of intranasal corticosteroids. There are no good‐quality studies assessing changes in quality of life with intranasal corticosteroids.
Intranasal corticosteroids compared with other treatments
There is not enough evidence to know whether intranasal corticosteroid treatment is better, worse or the same as using other treatment strategies such as saline irrigation, intranasal antihistamines, capsaicin or ipratropium bromide for non‐allergic rhinitis.
