Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance for an invader, and overreacts. The body produces immunoglobulin-E (IgE) antibodies, which then signals the release of chemicals like histamine that result in an allergic reaction. Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing are a few common symptoms of allergies.
A nasal spray can help you feel better when used correctly, but it’s important to use the right type for your symptoms. Always check with your healthcare provider first, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Read on to find out more about the six kinds of nasal sprays and how they work, plus possible side effects.
Best Nasal Sprays
There are six types of nasal sprays, some of which can be purchased at a drugstore and some that are only available by prescription. What works for one person may not work for another.
Antihistamine Sprays
As the name suggests, antihistamine sprays block histamine. This is especially helpful for those with a runny nose caused by allergies. Prescription antihistamine sprays include Patanase (olopatadine) and Astelin (azelastine), and there’s also an OTC form of Astelin called Astepro.
Decongestant Sprays
The main purpose of decongestant nasal sprays, which are available OTC, is to give you temporary relief from nasal congestion. They do this by constricting the blood vessels in your nose, reducing swelling and thus congestion.
Brand names of these nasal sprays include Afrin, Zicam, Sinex, and Dristan. They are meant to help when you have a brief cold or allergy flare-up and should not be used for more than three consecutive days. If used for longer than that, they can cause rebound congestion, leading to your needing more of the nasal spray, causing a vicious cycle.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
Steroid nasal sprays were once only available with a prescription. Today, they can be bought OTC and are often the first treatment used to address allergies. They can reduce nasal inflammation and congestion as well as help with runny nose and sneezing.
In order to get the benefits of the medication, you’ll need to use it once or twice a day for several weeks. Common steroid nasal sprays include Rhinocort (budesonide), Flonase (fluticasone), Nasonex (mometasone), Nasacort (triamcinolone), and Veramyst (fluticasone furoate).
Saline Sprays
Saline sprays are different from the other sprays on this list because they aren’t meant to relieve congestion or other allergy symptoms. Instead, their main function is to help keep your nasal passages moist, which in turn can help prevent nosebleeds due to dryness. Brands of these sprays include Simply Saline, Xlear, and Ayr.
Anticholinergic Sprays
Anticholinergic nasal sprays, such as Atrovent (ipratropium bromide HFA), help to treat a runny nose for those who have allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis. They work by blocking a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that triggers nasal secretions. This type of nasal spray is prescription only.
Mast Cell Inhibitor Sprays
Mast cell inhibitor sprays, such as Nasalcrom (cromolyn sodium), work by stabilizing mast cells so that they don’t release chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes that trigger inflammation. This results in fewer allergy symptoms. They are available without a prescription.
Side Effects of Nasal Sprays
Ask your provider about any possible side effects of the the nasal spray you are using. Common side effects can include:
Bitter taste in the mouth Dry mouth Nasal burning Rebound effect (with nasal decongestants), causing more congestion Nosebleeds
Are Nasal Sprays Addictive?
Nasal sprays don’t produce cravings or highs and are not addictive based on the clinical definition. That said, it is possible to misuse them. Overuse of nasal sprays can lead to rebound congestion (which results in you needing more and more of the spray to get relief), nosebleeds, headaches, and reduced effectiveness of the medication.
In particular, one OTC nasal decongestant spray called Benzedrex (propylhexedrine) has the potential to be dangerous if misused. Benzedrex abuse can cause heart problems, such as high blood pressure, and mental health problems, such as paranoia. Always take the nasal spray as directed. If you do not have any relief after using it as stated, talk with your provider.
Alternatives to Nasal Sprays
If you don’t want to use a nasal spray for your symptoms, sometimes nasal irrigation can be helpful. This is when a mixture of sterile water and salt—and sometimes baking soda—is flushed into the nose to rinse mucus out. This can be done with a bulb syringe or a neti pot. It’s important to only use sterile water, not tap water.
Other alternatives to treat your allergies include oral medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids.
Summary
Many different kinds of nasal sprays are available, both over the counter and by prescription only. Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and which nasal spray might be best for you.
A Word From Verywell
Allergies can be incredibly uncomfortable, and nasal sprays can help. But if you find yourself using them more than you should—or you aren’t getting the relief you need—your healthcare provider can help find something that works better for you.
