In this Article

• Introduction
• What's the difference between a controller and a reliever?
• What are antihistamines?
• How do antihistamines work?
• What are first generation antihistamines (OTCs)?
• What are second generation antihistamines (prescription)?
• What are common side effects of antihistamines?
• What are decongestants?
• How do decongestants work?
• When should I use topical decongestants?
• What are side effects of decongestants?
• What about combination antihistamine/decongestant preparations?
• Nasal Steroid Sprays
• Other nasal sprays that might help
• Tips for proper use of nasal sprays
• Nasal Allergy Medications At A Glance
• Nasal Allergy Medications Glossary
• Nasal Allergy Medications Index

Tips for Proper Use of Nasal Sprays

Using a good technique in applying nasal sprays will help you achieve the maximum benefits from the medications and avoid certain side effects, such as nasal bleeding. The following are guidelines for proper spray technique:

• Clear your nasal passages with gentle nose blowing or a nasal decongestant for a few days when starting nasal steroids.
• Shake the container.
• Place one finger over one nostril to close it off.
• Place the tip of the spray into the open nostril pointing away from the nasal septum (midline) and direct the spray straight back, not up into the tip of your nose.
• Activate the spray, sniffing in gently and deeply as you do so.
• Exhale through the mouth.
• Repeat these steps for the other nostril.
• Never "double" spray: always spray one nostril at a time and alternate nostrils each time.

Nasal Allergies At A Glance

• Nasal allergy is an inflammatory reaction to house dust mites, mold, animal hair, and pollens.
• Take antihistamines for sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat.
• Take decongestants for nasal congestion only.
• Anticholinergic medicine such as Ipratropium Bromide may help with intractable runny noses.
• Nasal steroids are safe and effective on a runny, itchy, and particularly stuffy nose.
• Combination of antihistamine, decongestant, and steroid inhalers are a good choice for moderate or severe hay fever.
• Topical nasal decongestant should be limited to use for 3 to 5 days maximum.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• diphenhydramine, Benadryl - Explains the medication diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
• Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Information on post nasal drip and chronic rhinitis includes symptoms such as itchy runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, and throat, and nasal congestion.
• fluticasone propionate nasal inhaler-spray, Flonase, Veramyst - Learn about the nasal spray drug fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst) used to treat non-allergic and allergic rhinitis and its symptoms like a stuffy and runny nose.

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