I am using a corticosteroid nasal spray for allergies but now my tonsils feel irritated and dry. no signs of swelling. could the spray cause it? if yes should i discontinue it? i can't get in touch with me ent until monday.

Steroids are drying.: Assuming this is not an early indication of a tonsil infection (tonsillitis), it could be an effect of the steroids, which do have a drying tendency. Remember, even though they are sprayed nasally, the steroid can end up dripping down the back of the throat and upon the tonsils.

Yes: you might be sensitive to the "vehicle" (the chemicals that the steroids are dissolved in) A different brand may be the answer. In the meantime I would stop the spray..since there is a small chance that you may have acquired an infection (eg: virus) and the steroids may be contraindicated! Hope this helps! Dr Z

Sniffed too hard: 21 yo female using steroid nasal spray now with irritated dry tonsils. Nasal sprays only work well if patients use them properly. Sniffing the spray too hard/too much will cause liquid to run down throat and not go where it needs to (inside of nasal passages/sinuses). This can cause dryness. Please only a small sniff. Point the spray tip out and back (like towards ear) so not to cause irritation