People who have experienced an allergy attack know just how disruptive they can be. A runny, stuffy or itchy nose, constant sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes aren’t the ideal way to ring in the spring, so most people are willing to do whatever it takes to find allergy relief. 

While it used to be that healthcare providers recommended taking just an antihistamine pill and going about the day, today there are many more options when it comes to treating allergies. 

Nasal sprays for allergies is one treatment option that is rising in popularity. Both over-the-counter and prescription nasal sprays for allergies are available to treat symptoms.

What are allergies, anyway?

There are many different types of allergies. A person is said to have allergies when their immune system triggers a set of symptoms after it detects an allergen. 

Allergens are substances that are generally considered harmless, such as pollen or dust. While most people can be exposed to pollen without experiencing any negative effects, others will experience an allergic reaction.

When an allergy-sensitive immune system detects the presence of the specific allergen it’s sensitive to, it starts to produce a group of symptoms that are collectively known as an allergic reaction. 

Both the type of allergen and the way that it contacts the body will influence how the immune system reacts. For example, food allergies may cause swelling in the face and lips, difficulty breathing or hives, while airborne allergens like pollen are more likely to cause symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes,  sore throat or sneezing.

When someone says that they have allergies, they are usually talking about allergic rhinitis, sometimes referred to as “hay fever.” Allergic rhinitis is triggered by airborne allergens that are found in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold or pet dander. Allergic rhinitis may occur at any time of year, but many people experience an increase in their symptoms in the spring and fall due to the release of pollen from trees and grasses during these times of year — spring in particular is often referred to as allergy season. 

Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial:

• People with seasonal allergies typically experience an allergic reaction associated with plants like trees and grasses that release pollen in the spring and fall; they may also experience allergies to mold and other fungi that are more active in certain seasons than others. 

• People with perennial allergies (allergies lasting throughout the year, not only during allergy season) are likely to experience reactions to allergens that are present throughout the year, such as pet dander, cockroach droppings, smoke or air pollution.

The best way to tell between seasonal or perennial allergies is to pay attention to the time of year when allergy symptoms are most active. If someone experiences symptoms throughout the year but notices that they are worse in spring and fall, it is possible that they have both seasonal and perennial allergies.

Symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis are typically concentrated in the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses and throat) and may include wheezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. These symptoms occur in response to the release of a chemical called histamine, which occurs when an allergen is detected.

What are the types of nasal spray for allergies?

Allergy nasal sprays are medications that are delivered into the nose in order to treat allergy symptoms that affect the nasal passages, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchiness, or dryness.

Nasal spray for allergies typically falls into one of four categories: antihistamine nasal spray, corticosteroid nasal spray, decongestant nasal spray, and saline nasal spray. Each nasal spray for allergies works differently and is helpful in treating certain types of symptoms.

Antihistamine nasal spray for allergies

Antihistamine nasal sprays for allergies contains medication that is designed to resolve allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is produced by the immune system in response to the presence of an allergen.1 

Histamine is responsible for most of the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, such as itchy, watery eyes, postnasal drip, swollen nasal passages, runny nose, and sneezing. If an individual experiences any of these symptoms, antihistamines can be highly effective in helping them to feel better quickly. They are among the fastest-acting nasal allergy medicines, taking effect in less than an hour.

Antihistamine nasal sprays are available both over the counter and with a prescription. 

Prescription nasal sprays for allergies often contain active ingredients at a higher concentration than over-the-counter products, bringing relief more quickly or more completely. Prescription antihistamine nasal spray for allergies includes azelastine (Astelin and Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase).

Antihistamines can also be taken by mouth — Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are popular oral antihistamines. 

Older versions of antihistamines (prior to drugs like loratadine and cetirizine) do cause drowsiness as a side effect. As a result, it’s generally recommended to use certain antihistamines before bedtime instead of in the morning. 

When using antihistamine nasal spray, users may also experience brief burning in their nasal passages, or bitterness in the mouth and throat.

Corticosteroid nasal spray for allergies

Steroid nasal sprays for allergies, sometimes referred to as corticosteroid nasal sprays, work differently than antihistamine nasal sprays.2 

Unlike antihistamine nasal sprays, steroid nasal sprays work to improve allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. 

When someone experiences an allergy attack, the inside of their nasal passages can become swollen (i.e. inflamed), contributing to feelings of congestion. 

Steroid nasal sprays reduce the swelling to help make breathing more easy. Because steroid nasal sprays also reduce inflammation in other nasal illnesses, they are used to alleviate congestion that occurs with a cold, sinus infection, or other upper respiratory infection.

Like antihistamine nasal sprays, nasal steroid sprays for allergies can be purchased both over the counter or with a prescription. 

One of the most popular over-the-counter options is fluticasone propionate, sold under the brand name Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray. 

Prescription steroid nasal sprays for allergies include beclomethasone (Beconase and Qnasl), ciclesonide (Zetonna), fluticasone furoate (Veramyst), budesonide (Rhinocort), and mometasone (Nasonex) and triamcinolone (Nasacort).

While antihistamine nasal sprays work quickly to treat symptoms, steroid nasal sprays need more time to start working, such as a day to several days.

As a result, they are better suited to long-term use rather than emergency use in the face of an allergy attack. Steroid nasal sprays can be used seasonally or perennially. A patient should discuss steroid medications with their doctor if intending to start long-term use.

Decongestant nasal spray for allergies

Decongestant nasal sprays are another popular type of nasal spray for allergies. Decongestant nasal sprays are usually purchased over-the-counter.

Decongestant sprays work by narrowing the blood vessels that line the tissues along the inside of the nose. When someone experiences an allergy attack, these blood vessels dilate and swell, causing inflammation symptoms. 

As the nasal passages become inflamed, the increased mucus produced as a result of the allergic reaction becomes trapped, contributing to the feeling of a stuffy nose.

Decongestant nasal sprays for allergies help to narrow the blood vessels, reducing congestion and sinus pressure, allowing for easier breathing. 

This type of nasal spray is generally intended for short-term use. When used for a period of more than three days, decongestant medications can contribute to a “rebound effect” that actually makes congestion worse. 

As a result, it’s recommended to seek further guidance from a healthcare provider if someone has been using decongestants for three days and have not noticed an improvement in symptoms.

Unlike other medications, decongestants are usually not recommended for use in children under the age of six years of age. Children under the age of 12 should only be allowed to use decongestant nasal sprays with a pediatrician’s approval and under the supervision of an adult. 

Unlike antihistamine nasal sprays that can cause drowsiness, some decongestants produce a stimulant effect that can disrupt sleep at night. Additionally, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other heart conditions should not use decongestant nasal sprays without a doctor’s approval.

Saline nasal spray for allergies

Saline nasal spray uses a sodium chloride (saltwater) solution to address nasal symptoms. Because these nasal sprays do not contain medication, they can be purchased over-the-counter or even made at home (though this isn’t generally recommended since they’re so easily available at most drugstores and supermarkets). 

Saline nasal sprays help to address allergy symptoms in three ways:

• First, the saline solution helps to rinse out the nasal passages, potentially washing out any allergens that may have been inhaled during the day, such as pollen or mold spores. 

• Secondly, saline nasal sprays prevent the nasal passages from drying out and becoming more inflamed. 

• Thirdly, saline nasal sprays help to dissolve and loosen the mucus lining the passages of your nose, which makes it easier to blow mucus out into a tissue.

One of the benefits of saline nasal sprays is that they are safe for people who are sensitive to medications. That means that very young children, the elderly, and people who may struggle to process drugs can use saline nasal sprays safely. They can be used as often as needed and are not associated with any notable side effects.

Are there any side effects associated with nasal sprays for allergies?

Like all medications, nasal sprays may be associated with some side effects. However, the side effects vary from spray to spray depending on the type of spray. 

Possible side effects of antihistamine nasal sprays include: 

• Bitter taste in the mouth

• Burning in the nostrils

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Sneezing

• Nosebleeds

Possible side effects of corticosteroid nasal sprays include: 

• Throat irritation

• Burning, irritation, or drying inside the nose

• Sneezing

• Nosebleeds

Possible side effects of decongestant nasal sprays include: 

• Temporary stinging in the nose

• Dryness of the nasal passages

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

 Possible side effects of saline nasal sprays include:  

• Abnormal or salty taste in the mouth

• Nose irritation

• Sneezing

The bottom line

Whether you struggle to swallow pills or simply prefer to deliver your allergy medication straight to the source of your symptoms, nasal sprays can help treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis like sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose and congestion. 

Prescription nasal sprays for allergies commonly include antihistamine nasal sprays and corticosteroid nasal sprays. 

The severity of your symptoms and the length of time that you experience them should influence the type of nasal spray you use to treat your allergy symptoms, as different medications work at different speeds and have different possible side effects. 

Consult with a HealthTap doctor online for an easy, convenient way to discuss your symptoms and get advice or perhaps a prescription for nasal spray medication for allergies, without the trip to the doctor’s office.