Nasal sprays can assist with allergies when they occur. There are several types, and the majority operate quicker than pills.
You can get them at the pharmacy or have one prescribed by your doctor to help with a stuffy or runny nose.
Decongestant Sprays
Decongestant sprays shrink congested blood vessels and tissues in your nose, causing the condition. The medicines oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Afrin, Dristan, Sinex), phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine), and theophylline are examples of these medications. You may purchase them without a prescription.
Don’t use decongestant nasal sprays for longer than three days. Using them too long can actually make your nose more blocked. If you have glaucoma or high blood pressure that isn’t under control, ask your doctor before using them.
Antihistamine Sprays
Antihistamine sprays, such as azelastine (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase), help treat stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. They’re available by prescription and include azelastine (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase). Cetirizine pills are generally less drowsy than antihistamine pills, although they may still cause some people to nod off.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
These sprays are great for blocked noses and sneezing, as well as itchy, watery eyes. They also aid in the control of a running nose. Although they’re often the first medicine used for allergies, it takes around a week before you’ll notice your condition improve.
Beclomethasone (Beconase, Qnasl), ciclesonide (Zetonna), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst), and mometasone (Nasonex Spray) are some examples of steroid nasal sprays available on prescription. The most common over-the-counter allergy medications are budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR).
The most common side effects are a headache, a sore throat, nasal bleeding, or a cough.
Cromolyn Sodium (Nasal Crom)
This nasal spray keeps your body from generating histamine-releasing chemicals, which cause allergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. It can also assist with a stuffy nose. Some people notice changes in only 30 minutes. You should start utilizing it one to two weeks before allergy season begins and then use it once or twice a day, in order to be most efficient. It isn’t nearly as strong as steroids nasal sprays.
Cromolyn sodium is generally safe for most people. If you have asthma or sinus discomfort, speak with your doctor first. Sneezing and nasal irritation are possible side effects.
Ipratropium Nasal (Atrovent Nasal)
The active ingredient in this nasal spray is misoprostol, which stops the formation of mucus. It does not effectively reduce congestion or sneezing.
If you have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, Atrovent is not recommended for you. Headache, nosebleeds, sore throat, and nasal irritation are all possible side effects.
Does nasal spray help with allergies?
Nasal sprays are useful for treating congestion, sneezing, and hives. The decongestant nasal spray contains oxymetazoline, which narrows your blood vessels to reduce inflammation in your nose. Antihistamine nasal sprays have either cetirizine or olopatadine as their active ingredient, both of which help relieve the itching that occurs with allergies. Ask you, doctor, what kind of nasal spray is best for you.
You should not use a decongestant spray for more than three days straight. You should not use an antihistamine spray if you are pregnant unless specifically recommended by your physician. Speak to your doctor about this if needed.
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