When seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms include a stuffy nose, patients must choose decongestant allergy medicines with care. Many prescription drugs must be taken continually. A large portion of over-the-counter offerings relieve most respiratory problems, but not congestion. Some of these decongestant medications pose risks for heart patients with high blood pressure. Some cannot be taken by young children. But several options do exist for safe and effective congestion relief in patients 2 years to adult and are available in a variety of formulas and dosing schedules.
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium nasal spray gently eases all allergy symptoms through preventive action. Histamine in the bloodstream contributes to itching, sneezing and runny and stuffy nose problems. Unlike antihistamines or steroids that treat symptoms after they arise, cromolyn sodium works to stop histamine release, to avoid allergic reactions.
To perform this task, cromolyn sodium's nonprescription dosing regimen must begin prior to the onset of seasonal allergies. Patients must administer it several times daily. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, people with perennial allergies, heart conditions and children as young as 2 can safely take this allergy medicine all year.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroid sprays can also be tolerated by heart patients and children of various ages. They are approved for seasonal and perennial use and controlled by prescription. Ages 3 and up can use nasal sprays such as mometasone furoate and fluticasone propionate to control itchy eyes and stuffy noses, as well as other respiratory allergy symptoms. Patients can choose from stronger or alternate formulas as prescribed to satisfy their individual needs.
Unlike oral steroid allergy medicines, nasal corticosteroids have no serious side effects, and patients can safely use them year round, which is the recommended dosing pattern. These sprays provide effective relief when used on a continual basis, once or twice a day.
Oral and Nasal Decongestant Medicines
The oral and nasal decongestant allergy medicines most commonly found over the counter include one of these compounds: oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. The mechanism of these medications raises blood pressure, so heart patients should not take them. Whether designated nonprescription or prescription, some medicines with these ingredients are restricted for use by young children, as indicated on individual product labels.
When formulated alone in an oral tablet or nasal spray, these drugs address only stuffy nose symptoms. When added to an antihistamine product, the combination drug controls all allergy symptoms. MayoClinic.com reports that using decongestants for more than three days in a row can increase, rather than ease, nasal congestion.
