Sorting Out Allergy Treatments
Oxymetazoline, AFRIN, is sprayed directly into the nose and therefore does not cause side effects that oral decongestants do. However, when used for more than three days, nasal decongestants may cause rebound stuffiness, so they should never be used for more than two to three days at a time and usually at night only.
The one that really works for deep congestion when you are clogged to break up the mucus is Mucinex or high dose guanefesin.
Antihistamines,
A lot of people go right for the non-sedating antihistamines, which are now over the counter like Loratadine and Cetrizine. Claritin or Zyrtec
The more traditional ones are Chloropheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Pediacare, Triaminic) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) cause drowsiness but can make some people hyper.
These work very well with reducing the watery, itchy eyes and sneezing but once you get to the deep congestion of the nose or if you have recurrent problems, most doctors like to go for the more preventative therapies like
Anti-Inflammatories.
Steroid nasal spray like triamcinolone Nasacort or fluticasone Flonase, which are prescriptions, are very effective and can be very expensive. Flonase is generic so it is much more affordable.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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As you mention regular nasal irrigations with normal saline through a neti pot are great for keeping allergic rhinitis at bay. If the allergic reaction has already taken hold one might want to use a stronger saline solution to combat the inflammation.