How Do Nasal Sprays Relieve Allergies?

When your nose is congested due to allergies, it can seriously affect your quality of life. So, many people turn to nasal sprays for relief as a supplement to over-the-counter allergy tablets.

Nasal sprays are available over-the-counter and prescription medications designed to help relieve symptoms which include congestion that often accompanies allergies

Breathing through your nose easily is usually a no-brainer until your allergies make it nearly impossible. You can suffer through it, or you can get allergy relief by using a nasal spray.

In this article, let’s break down the different nasal spray options to help you find the best option to relieve your nasal allergy symptoms.

 What Are Nasal Sprays for Allergies

Nasal sprays are medications used to treat nasal symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, and inflammation. The people who should use nasal sprays for allergies are those who suffer from seasonal allergies and environmental allergens such as dust, pet, or dander that cause uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and itchiness. But unlike many oral allergy medications, nasal sprays are sprayed directly into the nasal passage using a pressurized canister or spray bottle.

TYPES OF NASAL SPRAYS FOR ALLERGIES

Decongestant Nasal Sprays (DNS)

DNSs work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. When you’re congested, it’s due to your nasal passages being swollen. This makes them feel blocked.

Most DNSs contain oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine. Blocked nose nasal sprays are best for colds, flu, or other short-term problems. The advantage of a DNS is that they work fast, alleviating congestion within minutes.

 Decongestant Nasal Sprays available:

  • Afrin
  • Dristan
  • Sinexa
  • Neo-Synephrine

Steroid Nasal Sprays

Steroid Nasal Sprays are typically the go-to for relieving allergy symptoms that cause chronic congestion. The advantage of steroid nasal sprays is that they reduce inflammation, and the sinuses can feel less congested, making it easier to breathe.

They contain corticosteroids which are a class of drugs that reduce inflammation. Some steroid sprays require a prescription from your doctor, while others are available at your local pharmacy.

Common brand names include Flonase and Nasacort Allergy Nasal Spray.

Saline Nasal Sprays

Saline Nasal Sprays contain a saline solution to help loosen mucus and debris inside the nasal passage to clear blockages and congestion.

Antihistamine Nasal Sprays

Histamine is a chemical that is produced by the body’s immune system that works to get rid of foreign substances in the body. When you have an allergic reaction it’s because histamines are being released in response to allergens like mold, dust mites, and pet dander. This causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. The advantage of Antihistamine nasal sprays is that they work quickly—often within 30 minutes.

Side Effects of Nasal Sprays

DNSs should be taken properly to avoid side effects. They should only be used for three days maximum. Using them longer than that can cause rebound congestion (congestion caused by medication). People can also develop a tolerance to them, resulting in you needing to take increasingly larger amounts to achieve the desired effect.

Other side effects from the different types of nasal sprays may include:

  • Burning or stinging sensation in the nose
  • Crustiness or dryness in the nose
  • Irritated and dry throat
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Redness, itchiness, and swelling in the nose
  • Nosebleeds

 Nasal sprays are an effective treatment for allergy symptoms, but it’s not the one and only solution. It’s best to speak to your doctor about the best option for your allergy relief (for the short and long term). Your treatment may also involve taking allergy tablets as well.

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