What happens if nasal spray goes down your throat?

What Happens If Nasal Spray Goes Down Your Throat?

When you use a nasal spray, it’s designed to deposit medicine on the nasal lining for local relief—whether that’s decongesting swollen passages, delivering steroids, or blocking histamine. Sometimes, though, the spray trickles down the back of your nose into your throat. You may experience odd tastes, throat irritation, or even mild stomach upset. Here’s what you need to know, what might happen, and when to seek medical help.

How Nasal Sprays Are Supposed to Work

• Most sprays have a fine mist that targets the nasal mucosa, where blood vessels absorb the medicine quickly and locally.
• According to Djupesland & Messina (2014), the exact site of deposition in the nose determines how much of the drug stays local versus how much enters the bloodstream.

What Happens If You Swallow Some Spray

1. Taste & Sensation

   • A bitter, minty or medicinal taste can “coat” your throat—much like a throat spray does when used for sore throats.
   • You may feel a tingling or slight burning as the spray contacts sensitive tissues.

2. Irritation or Cough

   • Some people cough or clear their throat if enough spray reaches the back of the throat.
   • Rarely, this can trigger mild scratching or hoarseness.

3. Reduced Effectiveness Up Front

   • Less medicine in the nose means less local relief from congestion, allergy symptoms or inflammation.
   • You may need an extra dose (within label limits) or a different technique.

4. Systemic Absorption & Side Effects

   • If swallowed, most nasal decongestants (like oxymetazoline) have low oral bioavailability.
   • However, any absorbed drug can cause systemic effects:
     • Decongestants – possible jitteriness, elevated blood pressure, faster heart rate
     • Steroid sprays – very low risk of overall adrenal suppression unless used heavily
     • Antihistamines – mild drowsiness or dry mouth if enough is absorbed

5. Digestive Upset

   • A small amount of nasal spray in your stomach rarely causes nausea or discomfort.
   • Drinking water or rinsing your mouth can help dilute and clear any residual medicine.

By Drug Type: What to Expect
• Decongestant Sprays (e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine)
– Designed for local blood-vessel constriction in the nose
– Swallowed doses are limited by your body’s first-pass metabolism, but could still raise your blood pressure slightly
– If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, watch for headaches, palpitations, or dizziness

• Steroid Sprays (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide)
– Most drug stays in your nasal passages; very little is swallowed
– Chronic heavy use can suppress your body’s natural cortisol production, but a one-time swallow is unlikely to be a problem
– Rinse and spit after using to minimize taste and irritation

• Antihistamine Sprays (e.g., azelastine)
– Local action blocks histamine in the nose; minimal systemic absorption if swallowed
– Possible mild drowsiness if you swallow an unusually large amount

Tips to Keep the Spray in Your Nose

• Tilt your head slightly forward (not back), insert the nozzle just inside the nostril, and breathe in gently while spraying.
• Avoid sniffing hard; a gentle sniff is enough to draw medicine onto the nasal mucosa.
• Aim the nozzle toward the outer wall of your nostril, not straight up or toward the septum.
• Wipe or rinse the tip after each use to prevent clogging.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Sip water or suck on ice chips to clear residual spray from your throat.
• Rinse your mouth and gargle to help remove any lingering taste or irritation.
• If you feel jittery, lightheaded or notice a rapid heart rate, sit down and rest until it passes.

When to Seek Help
Most of the time, swallowing a bit of nasal spray causes only mild, temporary discomfort. But call your doctor or head to urgent care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or ongoing throat pain
• Trouble breathing or persistent coughing
• Chest pain or a racing heartbeat that won’t calm down
• Confusion, dizziness or fainting
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling of lips/tongue, difficulty swallowing)

If you’re unsure how serious your symptoms are, consider doing a free, online symptom check for extra guidance.

Preventing Future Issues

• Practice proper spray technique (see the tips above).
• Use a spacer or nebulizer if recommended by your doctor.
• Switch to a different formulation (e.g., a mist vs. a spray) if you consistently have trouble.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about alternative treatments or different delivery methods.

Key Takeaways

• A bit of nasal spray down your throat usually leads to mild taste, irritation or slight digestive upset.
• Systemic side effects are uncommon but possible, especially with decongestants.
• Proper spraying technique and post-use rinsing can minimize this issue.
• Monitor for severe symptoms—chest pain, difficulty breathing or allergic reactions—and seek medical care if they occur.
• For peace of mind, do a free, online symptom check for to see whether you should call your doctor.

Always speak to a doctor about anything that could be serious or life threatening.