Nasal Spray doesn't work anymore

[jelakrj]

I had unexplained runny noses for years and finally went to the doc who gave me a strong steroid kind of nasal spray. It worked amazingly well but for the last few weeks it stopped working.  I read somewhere that if the medication stops working that is a really bad sign and could mean that the infection spread and caused cancer! True or False?
-danielle

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, I can understand the pain you are going through. It is a problem in few patients who suffer from recurrent rhinosinusitis. Such cases should be carefully evaluated and systematic intervention to prevent further recurrences.

Firstly you should know the causes of recurrences in your case and you are already on standard mode of treatment i.e. available in present day. The common causes are-
-Discontinuation or reduction of medications
-Acute viral upper respiratory tract infections
-Heavy exposure to allergens (change in place may help)
-Exposure to noxious inhalants (change in place may help)
-Worsening of inflammation secondary to bacterial infection or fungal colonization.

Cancer is unlikely. It is important to rule out mentioned causes and steps should be taken to avoid further exposure. You should also be evaluated for presence of concomitant asthma for which medical therapy improves the outcome. I suggest you to consult ENT specialist for reanalysis of your case. Take care and regards.

[bsmsl]

I haven't heard that, but you can become "immune" to a medication.  There are many choices for nasal steroids.  I would suggest that you talk to your doctor to see if another one will work for you.  Also, you might want to ask about atrovent.  That stuff stops the drip.

Another thought is that you have a cold or something.  

Feel better.