Allergies are very common. Some people are affected only during the pollen seasons, while others have allergy symptoms throughout the year. Common triggers for allergy include dust mites, pets such as cats, dogs, hamsters or guinea pigs, as well as pollen or mold. Treatment options for allergies can be divided into three groups:
- Avoidance of the allergen – often easier said than done
- Allergy medication – to minimize symptoms
- Immunotherapy (allergy drops or shots) – to make one less allergic
Allergy nose sprays are among the most effective allergy medications currently available. Allergy nasal sprays may have an advantage over oral antihistamines (allergy tablets) in that the spray goes directly onto the nasal tissues, resulting in a local effect, which minimizes the potential for a generalized side effect from the allergy medication.
There are several different types of allergy nasal sprays available, including steroid sprays, antihistamine sprays, cromolyn nasal sprays, and saline sprays. There is also one nose spray that combines both a nasal steroid and antihistamine. All of these provide benefit, however, some are more effective than others. Nasal saline generally provides the least benefit. Nasal saline helps by washing allergens out of the nose and keeping the nasal membranes moist. Allergy nasal spray prescriptions include steroid nasal sprays and the one available combination nasal steroid/antihistamine. These are generally the most effective type of allergy nasal sprays. Until recently, all of the steroid nasal sprays required a prescription. However, recently, two of these sprays, Flonase and Nasacort, became available over the counter without a prescription.
The common questions from patients about allergy nose spray that we hear in our practice in Norwalk, Ridgefield, Danbury, and New Milford, Connecticut include:
- Which allergy nasal spray is best for me?
- When should I start and stop the nasal spray?
- Are there any side effects or drug interactions
- Can I use my allergy nasal spray in combination with other allergy medications?
For personalized advice, it’s best to schedule an appointment and check with your allergist.