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Nasal Allergy Relief

If you suffer from nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), you know about the irritating symptoms, from nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and sneezing to sinusitis (sinus infections). Depending upon the type and severity of your symptoms, your doctor or allergist may recommend a number of treatments. Some may be purchased over the counter at your drugstore and for others you will need a prescription. Ask your doctor about all of these options.

  1. Antihistamines

    • Ask your doctor if you should use an antihistamine to relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines block the release of histamine that causes your nasal allergy symptoms. They are available in pill form, over the counter like Sudafed or Benadryl. They can cause drowsiness so should not be taken if you must drive or operate machinery. Or you can purchase non-sedating antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec without a prescription. Some people also use the non-sedating antihistamine Allegra, which requires a prescription. In addition, ask your doctor about a prescription antihistamine nasal spray called Astelin.

    Decongestant Sprays and Tablets

    • Try using decongestants to relieve your nasal stuffiness. Use one you can purchase over the counter. Some even last for 12 hours. But decongestant sprays should not be used longer than three days, as a rebound effect can occur that will cause even more nasal stuffiness. Decongestant tablets like Sudafed can be taken and are also available over the counter. Decongestant pills can keep you awake at night, so don't take them before bedtime. They should not be used if you have high blood pressure.

    Nasal Saline Sprays and Washes

    • Use nasal saline (salt water) sprays or washes each day to clear the allergens and mucus out of your nasal passages. They are helpful before using nasal sprays to clean out your nasal passages and increase the depositing of the medicine in your sinuses. Purchase nasal saline from any drugstore. Make your own saline solution at home with 1 pt. of distilled water, 2 tsp. of kosher salt and 1 tsp. of baking soda.

    Ask Your Doctor About Corticosteroid or Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Sprays

    • Ask your doctor about a corticosteroid nasal spray like Flonase, Rhinocort or Nasonex. Over time, they will ease nasal inflammation, although they must be used every day. You won't see an improvement until after a few weeks. So you must be patient and continue to use them as prescribed. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids that athletes use.

      Cromolyn sodium nasal spray coats your nasal passages and prevents allergies from causing symptoms. They must be started and used regularly before your allergy season begins to take effect. They are useful for people with seasonal nasal allergies like hay fever. The nasal spray comes in an over-the-counter form.

    Find Out About a Leukotriene Modifier

    • Ask your doctor if Leukotriene modifiers like Singulair are worth trying. They stop your body from producing the mast cells that release histamine; the chemical that causes the swelling of your nasal passages, runny nose and sneezing. Singulair requires a prescription and regular use to be effective.

    Allergy Shots

    • If your nasal allergies are severe, you may need to get allergy shots (immunotherapy). Before you do, your doctor or allergist will test to find out exactly what you're allergic to. Over a few months you will receive injections of these allergens and you will eventually develop a resistance them. This should ease your nasal allergy symptoms.

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