[Techniques of intranasal drug use]

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of changes in nasal mucosa in patients treated with long term intranasal corticosteroids and to determinate reasonability of intranasal drops administration in symptomatic treatment of nasal catarrh. The study included the total of 1962 patients. Within this group, 612 patients treated with intranasal corticosteroids underwent full laryngological examination to evaluate the status of nasal mucosa. In the group of 1350 users of web-based Allergologic Courier, who had used intranasal drops because of "runny nose" within last 3 months before the examination, a questionnaire survey was performed. The study results reflect poor knowledge the methods of nasal drops administration among patients, as well as low effectiveness of educational initiatives led by physicians and pharmacists. In 25 persons from 367 examined (6.81%) who used steroid spray locally, and who showed up in laryngological outpatient clinic, nasal mucosal damage was diagnosed for the first time. Mucosal damage was most frequently located in the right nasal septal mucosa--in 21 patients (5.72% of total patients) that was connected with improper nasal inhaler positioning and right hand movements directing it towards septum in the right nasal meatus. Among patients, who have remained under regular laryngological care in outpatient clinic (all of them are instructed of drug administration technique), only 5 persons (2.04%) out from 245 in the study group presented changes in nasal mucosa. No differences between changes occurrence on each side of nasal septum were found. Without proper training, only 8.52% from 1350 examined persons had been taking nasal drops in a proper manner to achieve its effectiveness.