We all have a pretty good idea about what pepper spray is -- the self-defense weapon that is carried by police and can be found at most sporting goods stores. And, what it does -- remember that video of the UC Davis police department pepper spraying the Occupy Wall Street protestors who were staging a sit-in on campus property -- resulting in stinging and burning of the eyes, nose, skin and lungs. Now, imagine actually squirting pepper spray, in a diluted form, in your nose in an attempt to reduce the symptoms of nasal allergies. Sounds crazy, right? Well, capsaicin nasal sprays are available over-the-counter for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms, and they work pretty well.
Capsaicin, the substance found in hot peppers that is responsible for the burning and stinging sensation that people get in their mouths when they eat the peppers, is very effective as a long-term reliever of pain. Creams containing capsaicin have been used for years for rubbing on arthritic joints as well as on painful skin that shingles leaves behind. Nasal sprays containing capsaicin seem to be effective at treating nasal congestion and sinus pressure related to non-allergic rhinitis, and may also be effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Other than a mild stinging sensation that occurs only with the first few times the nasal spray is used, side effects are minimal. And, if the nasal spray doesn't help your nasal symptoms, you can always use it as a reasonable replacement for a bottle of Tabasco Sauce.
Read more:
- All About Capsaicin Nasal Sprays
- Natural Treatments for Allergies
- Non-Allergic Rhinitis
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