Patients who have hay fever or perennial allergic rhinitis can treat their ills with easy-to-use allergy sprays. A variety of nasally applied medications appeal to people of all ages who seek relief from chronic runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing. Four main classes of allergy medicine also provide choices in strength, safety and the particular symptoms they address. Patients can live with typical side effects such as drowsiness and "rebound congestion" or choose drugs with different active mechanisms.
Antihistamine Allergy Sprays
Prescription antihistamine spray medications treat the inflammation that causes seasonal or perennial hay fever symptoms. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, some of these allergy sprays, such as azelastine and olopatadine, are labeled for seasonal or short-term use only. Patients may take other enhanced formulas every day for year-round itching and respiratory problems, but they may cause drowsiness. These prescription allergy medicines provide superior symptom control, however, over many oral antihistamines by safely easing congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
Decongestant Allergy Sprays
Decongestant allergy sprays may be purchased over the counter but can caused several unwanted side effects while clearing up stuffy noses. The National Institutes of Health report that nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine work by constricting blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. This causes blood pressure to rise, which can threaten the health of patients with existing high blood pressure conditions. These decongestants may be used safely by others only for a period of three consecutive days. Otherwise, an increase in congestion symptoms may occur.
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium allergy medicine offers a nonprescription alternative with fewer side effects and gentler drug action than antihistamines and decongestants. The University of Maryland Medical Center relates that cromolyn sodium nasal spray acts to prevent the onset of hay fever symptoms, rather than to reduce inflammation after the fact. Cromolyn sodium may be given to children as young as 2 years old for relief of hay fever symptoms year round. This drug requires more frequent dosing than other allergy medications.
Nasal Steroid
A wide variety of new-class nasal steroids add to the prescription allergy medicine choices. The AAAAI reports few side effects from these low-dose corticosteroid allergy sprays. Doctors will assist patients or parents of children with allergies in getting the right formula strength for their age groups. Nasal steroids that are available to ages 6 and up include flunisolide, budesonide and ciclesonide.
