I use another corticosteroid nasal spray that is similar to Nasonex...also use a corticosteroid inhaler for asthma. Before these products I was what I call a "respiratory cripple" and had difficulty breathing during the course of general activities such as walking around in my house or office.

I now have normal pulmonary function tests, swim, bike and run. Climb trees and mountains. Kick some butt. And don't make frequent trips to the ER.

For me personally, I've noticed a decreased tendancy to get upper respiratory viruses when I use these medications faithfully. When the upper airways can actually do their job--filtering out irritants, allergans, dust and pollutants--I think the average person's body is better equipped to deal with the challenges of infectious agents. Normally functioning upper airways also filter out the "stuff" in the air that would eventually end up in the lower airways. I can tell a difference in my lungs when I'm not using the nasal steroid.

Sign me, a happy and breathing veterinarian named Jackie

PS. Just so I don't offend anyone, I do not use the word "cripple" except when describing the way I personally used to breathe.