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Nasal corticosteroids may have adverse effects in patients with the following medical problems:

• Asthma. A condition in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Steroid nasal sprays can worsen this condition.
  
  
• Amebiasis. An infection or disease caused by amoebas. Steroid nasal sprays can worsen this condition.
  
  
• Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Dexamethasone may decrease carbohydrate tolerance, worsening blood glucose control and requiring higher doses of insulin.
  
  
• Glaucoma. An ocular disease in which pressure increases within the eyeball, eventually leading to vision impairment. Long-term use can worsen glaucoma by increasing pressure within the eye.
  
  
• Herpes simplex (virus) infection of the eye. Steroid nasal sprays may mask signs of this condition.
  
  
• Viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Steroid nasal sprays may mask signs of this condition.
  
  
• Nasal injury, sores or post-surgery condition. Steroid nasal sprays may prevent proper healing of these conditions.
  
  
• Heart conditions. Dexamethasone may worsen some heart-related conditions.
  
  
• Liver disease. Steroid nasal sprays may exacerbate this condition.
  
  
• Tuberculosis. Steroid nasal sprays may worsen this condition.
  
  
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). Dexamethasone may worsen this condition in which too little thyroid hormone circulates in the blood.