Standard over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and nasal sprays are a good line of defense against inflammation caused by seasonal allergies and the common cold. Safe to use, OTC medications relieve nasal swelling, pressure and congestion leading to improved airflow, decreased pressure in the sinuses and head and, subsequently, less discomfort.
Some products, including the Cold and Sinus versions of Tylenol and Advil, combine a pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) with a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to relieve both sinus and cold/flu symptoms. The British Medical Journal recently reported that corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Beconase AQ and Flonase can effectively relieve congestion.
What to Look for
Nonmedicated saline spray, applied as a mist to the nose up to six times a day, reduces swelling and assists in removing infectious agents. In addition to clearing nasal passages, a medicated nasal spray halts the progression of sinus bacteria. Specialists recommend a cromolyn sodium nasal spray four times a day during allergy seasons to prevent the release of histamine from the tissues, which starts the allergic reaction. It works best before symptoms become established by stabilizing the nasal membranes with few side effects.
And if nonsedating antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) don't help with your symptoms, doctors recommend corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Beconase AQ and Flonase, which can be more effective than oral antihistamines at relieving congestion.
Recent studies have shown that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily cut histamine production 38 percent among allergy suffers. The Ear, Nose and Throat Journal reports that the same dose slashed allergy symptoms by 74 percent. Another potent histamine-blocker, quercetin is an antioxidant nutrient that also prevents nasal inflammation. Studies have proven it is twice as effective at relieving nasal allergy symptoms than the OTC spray Nasalcrom.
Common Pitfalls
Though many over-the-counter remedies ease sinus symptoms, the vast majority of OTC antihistamines cause drowsiness, and they don't last as long as drugs like Claritin and Hismanal. Other potential complications include, but are not limited to, light-headedness and increased blood pressure. Also, some sinus relievers labeled as "nondrowsy" stimulate the nervous system. Before using these products, check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. Keep in mind that other medications may also interact with oral decongestants.
Research shows that when some allergies are untreated, other serious health problems such as ear and sinus infections, bronchitis or asthma can occur. In fact, studies show a significant percentage of people with hay fever have or develop asthma, and thousands of people wind up in hospital emergency rooms each year due to some form of allergy. If symptoms pose more than a mild annoyance and last longer than 2 weeks, see your doctor, who can treat you properly.
If your doctor isn't available, walk-in clinics, often situated in retail stores and pharmacies, offer quick relief. Clinics are typically staffed by qualified nurse-practitioners who can diagnose routine ailments and write prescriptions. Open 7 days a week, including weekends, most accept insurance from major carriers.
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