Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAntihistamine SpraysDecongestant SpraysSteroid Nasal SpraysSaline SpraysAnticholinergic SpraysMast Cell Inhibitor SpraysSide EffectsAre They Addictive?Alternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Antihistamine Sprays
Decongestant Sprays
Steroid Nasal Sprays
Saline Sprays
Anticholinergic Sprays
Mast Cell Inhibitor Sprays
Side Effects
Are They Addictive?
Alternatives
The best nasal spray for allergies will depend on your symptoms. If you have a runny nose or congestion because of allergies, your healthcare provider may recommend you use an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription nasal spray to ease your symptoms.
Allergiesoccur when theimmune systemmistakes a harmless substance for an invader and overreacts.The body producesimmunoglobulin-E (IgE) antibodies, which then signal the release of chemicals like histamine that result in an allergic reaction.Nasalcongestion, runny nose, and sneezing are a few common symptoms of allergies.
A nasal spray can help you feel better when used correctly, but it’s important to use the right type for your symptoms. Always check with your healthcare provider first, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
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Brand names of these nasal sprays include:
These sprays are meant to help when you have a brief cold or allergy flare-up and should not be used for more than three consecutive days. If used for longer than that, they can causerebound congestion, leading to your needing more of the nasal spray, causing a vicious cycle.
Some steroid nasal sprays are only available with a prescription. However, many others can be bought OTC and are often the first treatment used to address allergies. They can reduce nasal inflammation and congestion as well as help with runny nose and sneezing.
To get the benefits of the medication, you’ll need to use it once or twice a day for several weeks. Common steroid nasal sprays include:
Saline spraysare different from the other sprays on this list because they aren’t meant to relieve congestion or other allergy symptoms. Instead, their main function is to help keep your nasal passages moist, which in turn can help prevent nosebleeds due to dryness. Brands of these sprays include Simply Saline, Xlear, and Ayr.
Mast cell inhibitor sprays are available without a prescription.
Nasal sprays are safe when used appropriately and as directed. If you have any medical conditions or are pregnant or nursing, talk with your healthcare provider before using nasal sprays—even OTC ones.
Side Effects of Nasal Sprays
Ask your healthcare provider about any possible side effects of the nasal spray you are using. Common side effects can include:
Always follow the instructions from your provider or on the product label to determine how often you can use a particular nasal spray.
Are Nasal Sprays Addictive?
Nasal sprays don’t produce cravings or highs and are notaddictivebased on the clinical definition. That said, it is possible to misuse them. Overuse of nasal sprays can lead to rebound congestion (which results in you needing more and more of the spray to get relief), nosebleeds, headaches, and reduced effectiveness of the medication.
In particular, the OTC nasal decongestant spray Benzedrex (propylhexedrine) has the potential to be dangerous if misused. Benzedrex abuse can cause heart problems, such as high blood pressure, and mental health problems, such as paranoia.Always take the nasal spray as directed. If you do not have any relief after using it as stated, talk with your healthcare provider.
Alternatives to Nasal Sprays
If you don’t want to use a nasal spray for your symptoms, sometimes nasal irrigation can be helpful. This involves using a mixture of sterile water and salt (and sometimes baking soda) and flushing it into the nose to rinse mucus out.This can be done with a bulb syringe or aneti pot.It’s important to only use sterile water, not tap water.
Other alternatives to treat your allergies include oral medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids.
Summary
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Allergies overview.The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.You want me to spray what up my nose? Understanding the different types of nasal sprays.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - what does it mean for patients?Medline Plus.Cromolyn sodium nasal solution.FHE Health.Afrin & other nasal spray addiction.US Food & Drug Administration.FDA warns that abuse and misuse of the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine causes serious harm.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Allergies overview.The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.You want me to spray what up my nose? Understanding the different types of nasal sprays.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - what does it mean for patients?Medline Plus.Cromolyn sodium nasal solution.FHE Health.Afrin & other nasal spray addiction.US Food & Drug Administration.FDA warns that abuse and misuse of the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine causes serious harm.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Allergies overview.The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.You want me to spray what up my nose? Understanding the different types of nasal sprays.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - what does it mean for patients?Medline Plus.Cromolyn sodium nasal solution.FHE Health.Afrin & other nasal spray addiction.US Food & Drug Administration.FDA warns that abuse and misuse of the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine causes serious harm.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Allergies overview.
The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.You want me to spray what up my nose? Understanding the different types of nasal sprays.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - what does it mean for patients?
Medline Plus.Cromolyn sodium nasal solution.
FHE Health.Afrin & other nasal spray addiction.
US Food & Drug Administration.FDA warns that abuse and misuse of the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine causes serious harm.
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