Top 10 Best Nasal Sprays for Allergies in 2021 (Nasacort, Rhinocort, and More)

When choosing a nasal spray for allergies, it's critical not to self-diagnose your condition. It's best to make an appointment with your primary care physician or ear, nose, and throat specialist first. 

Your doctor can determine how a nasal spray fits into an overall treatment plan based on your symptoms and different tests. 

Nasal sprays for allergies have different ingredients and work in various ways to alleviate symptoms. Before choosing a spray, you should consult with a doctor or allergy specialist. Also, some ingredients can produce side effects and may interact with other medications. 

If you've been experiencing allergy symptoms, you should find out which substances are triggering your immune system. It's also possible to have an auto-immune condition or chronic sinusitis that isn't triggered by allergies. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important since it will determine which medicines will work best. 

Depending on your symptoms and condition, your doctor may prescribe or recommend certain nasal sprays such as antihistamines and steroids. Your doctor's recommendation may depend on whether your symptoms are seasonal or chronic. 

Steroids work by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages and are best for alleviating congestion. However, since steroids are preventative, they can take longer to work and require long-term, consistent use. 

Antihistamines work by blocking your body's production of histamine, which can produce symptoms like sneezing. These types of sprays work quicker than steroids. 

Your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray that combines steroids and antihistamines if you have multiple, consistent, long-term symptoms related to chronic sinusitis. This type of spray isn't available over the counter. Alternatively, you may get a prescription for an antihistamine and be advised to take an over-the-counter steroid spray.

Antihistamines are not as preventative as steroids, but some over-the-counter sprays, like oxymetazoline, target congestion. Sprays with ipratropium dry up excess mucus and nasal secretions. These sprays tend to work immediately to relieve symptoms and are not preventative. 

Check with your insurance provider or prescription plan to see if you can have your prescription nasal spray delivered to your home. Some plans allow you to have enough medication for 90 days shipped to you. 

Keep in mind that not all plans cover combination nasal sprays with antihistamines and steroids. If your medical provider recommends a combination spray, ask the doctor to check your insurance coverage first.

Some over-the-counter nasal sprays can be purchased on a subscription interval with retailers like Amazon. You will automatically receive the spray according to a pre-defined schedule.  

Your medical provider may recommend a combination of nasal sprays, oral or systemic pills like Singulair, and saline rinses. This is more likely to be the case if you're diagnosed with chronic or non-seasonal conditions. 

Remember to consult your doctor about any potential side effects or interactions between different medications and over-the-counter supplements. This includes medications you may be taking for unrelated conditions. 

Periodic or daily non-medicated saline rinses may need to be incorporated as part of your treatment plan. These rinses can help clean out your sinuses and make nasal sprays more effective. 

Depending on how long your doctor wants you to use nasal sprays as part of your treatment plan, you may need to use ones with different ingredients. While all nasal sprays result in side effects, some are more adverse when used long-term. 

Decongestant nasal sprays temporarily relieve a stuffy nose that can cause breathing difficulties. Congestion can result from inflammation and the overproduction of mucus. However, these types of sprays should only be used for a maximum of three days.

Using decongestant nasal sprays for longer than three days, especially without a doctor's recommendation, can result in rebound congestion. This condition develops as a result of dependency on the medication in the nasal spray.

Rebound congestion can restrict your nasal passages even more. You will likely experience worse congestion than what you had before you used the spray. 

Although steroid nasal sprays are best for long-term and preventative use, they are more likely to produce side effects when used for chronic conditions. Some of these side effects can be serious and may require medical intervention.

The most common long-term use symptom is nosebleeds. Many of these are minor, but some people experience moderate to severe nosebleeds. Steroid nasal sprays, especially when used with antihistamines or oral medicines like Singulair, can lead to weight gain and water retention.

Other side effects of nasal steroid use, like cataracts and a weakened immune system, are not as common or severe as they are with system steroids. However, these side effects can still occur. Be sure to discuss any underlying conditions and potential side effects with your doctor. 

Some of the more common side effects from antihistamine and other types of sprays include headaches, a bitter taste, fatigue, a burning sensation in the nasal passages, muscle pain, dizziness, sneezing, and dry nasal passages. 

It is also possible to develop more severe side effects, such as intrusive, vivid dreams and heartbeat problems. Consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms emerge. 

You may develop an increased tolerance for the medicine in the nasal spray. Your medical provider may need to change your treatment plan or the amount of your dose. 

Some nasal sprays like Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort also come in children's versions. There are different minimum age recommendations, such as two, four, and six years old. Medical advice is highly recommended before giving nasal sprays to children.

It's also important to keep in mind that non-allergic chronic sinusitis produces many of the same symptoms as allergies. It is best to get tested for allergies before taking over-the-counter medicines. Some autoimmune conditions can also lead to chronic non-allergic chronic sinusitis.

If you're pregnant or considering getting pregnant, some nasal sprays are safe to use. However, some have not been tested for use during pregnancy. It's best to consult with your doctor for advice and safety. 

Colds and headaches can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. Even though it's best to check with a doctor if your symptoms persist or become severe, you may be advised to rest and continue using home remedies like these.  

Whether they're chronic or seasonal, allergy symptoms can make you feel tired and miserable. Your symptoms can also interfere with your work, sleep, and quality of life. 

There's no reason to continue suffering when there are medications and nasal sprays that can help you feel normal again. Before you start using a nasal spray, discuss your symptoms with your doctor, consider how long you need to use the spray, and any potential side effects and interactions. You will soon be on your way to feeling better!

Author: Helen Akers

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