I've had chronic congestion for some years now. Any time I lie flat my nose fills up solid within minutes, so I have to sleep on a wedge. This week I reminded my doctor of this, and that OTC decongestants aren't very effective anymore. He prescribed fluticasone propionate nasal spray (Flonase®, Flovent®). He explained this is a topical corticosteroid. I asked about longterm use, and he said he has patients who've been on it for years.

This is likely the middle of another sojourn; I've met other people who experience congestion when lying flat, but no-one seems to have any answers/reasons why this should/would just come on suddenly in middle age. Other possibilities we discussed include an allergist and/or ENT, but in the meantime, I've still gotta breathe. I've become rather fond of breathing.

The inquiry here is about the fluticasone spray. I've read the insert, the MedlinePlus & Wiki pages, and checked the archives. There's a fair chance (greater than 1:10) this won't work due to side effects. Any other experience, wisdom, etc.?

Doc

It worked great on me but I only took it for a couple of weeks as I was on fluticasone inhaler too and got steroid acne from the combination.

Watch out for neuropathy symptoms, fluticasone inhaler is one of the wretched meds that gives me neuropathy symptoms. I would try it and if your neuropathy gets worse throw it away. It seems to go away when you stop it. I don't know if it can cause adrenal issues like the inhalers.

judo

If you take Mucinex during the day to move the mucus out
you might have less at night. Mucinex comes in a decongestant added formula too if you prefer. Drinking more water during the day helps too.

I take mine at night, too. Antihistamines are too drying and may provoke MORE congestion over time.
Allegra is okay, Claritin is rather useless and ineffective IMO.

Foods containing histamine or histamine releasers, may provoke more nasal symptoms. I have a histamine thread in the PN subforum.

I personally do not like steroids, esp nasal. They are implicated in causing glaucoma.

Try to not have the car vents blowing on you when you drive.
And spray them with disinfectant periodically. Lots of spores of fungus come out of those vents. In spring there is pollen galore also. There is a filter in newer cars, behind the glove box, that can be replaced as well.

This is a sample video... I would assume each car is different in minor ways:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGXyu3g403E

If you decide to use a steroid, and notice an increase of symptoms, I would suspect a fungus infection. This is pretty common, but needs treatment with antifungals.
Any infection present may be increased or fueled by the steroid, as steroids suppress immune response in the tissue.

Yes, I have that too. My ocular pressure was 30 a few weeks ago, cut med dose and it went down to 20 in 30 days.

Charming drugs.

judi