Allergies affect nearly 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or AAAAI. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a particular substance and attempts to fight it off, according to MayoClinic.com. Common treatments for allergies are avoidance, over-the-counter medications and allergy nasal sprays. Allergy nasal sprays include saline and decongestant sprays, as well as prescribed nasal corticosteroids. The use of any drug should be discussed with a medical doctor.
Saline Spray
Drugs.com states that saline spray is an effective way to rinse and moisten dry or irritated sinuses. Saline sprays are a saltwater solution that is used for alleviating symptoms of allergies, colds, low humidity or the abuse of OTC decongestant nasal sprays. Saline nasal sprays may be used multiple times in a day due to the fact that they are all natural. Users should blow their noses before inserting the tip into the nose. Two to three squirts should be administered into each nostril while the person breathes in to suck the saline into the sinus cavity. After spraying, the nose should be blown again to rid the sinuses of any loosened mucus.
OTC Decongestant Sprays
Oxymetazoline, brand name Afrin, is the most popular OTC decongestant nasal spray, and is intended for short-term use to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity, according to Drugs.com. The drug restricts blood flow to the sinus cavity, which causes it to return to its normal size. OTC nasal decongestants are not recommended for women who could become pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding. MayoClinic.com warns that OTC nasal decongestants should not be used for more than three days as it could cause greater sinus congestion.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids are a part of the steroid family, and are used for the long-term prevention and treatment of hay fever, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, according to Drugs.com. Nasal corticosteroids must be used as directed by a doctor. Most people experience nasal relief after one to three weeks of usage, according to Drugs.com. Nasal corticosteroids are acquired by prescription only and work by preventing sinus inflammation.
