Use Nasal Spray for Allergy Relief

NASAL SPRAYS

Over-the-counter nasal sprays afford temporary relief from al­lergic rhinitis, but if used for more than two days they can cause a "rebound effect" that clogs the nose exactly the Opposite of what you want them to do.

Some patients have luck with old-fashioned saltwater sprays. You can buy such products at any drugstore, or you can make your own preservative-free solution. Add a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda to a pint of warm water and stir thoroughly. Squirt a half-dropperful into each nostril morning and night. Try for one or two weeks before looking for results.

Available with a prescription (Intal), or without a prescrip­tion in a weaker strength (NasalCrom), cromolyn sodium has no significant side effects and can prevent mild hay fever symp­toms for some people. The drawback is that it must be started one to four weeks in advance and used four to six times a day during allergen exposure. It does not provide relief once symp­toms occur. Cromolyn is also available in eyedrops (Opticrom) for treating allergic conjunctivitis.

Corticosteroid (CCS) prescription nasal sprays such as bec-lomethasone (Beconase, Beconase AQ, Vancenase, Vancenase AQ), flunisolide (Nasalide, Nasarel), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and the newer nasal steroids, fluticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Rhinocort),  and  mometasone  (Nasonex,  Nasonex AQ),  are more effective than cromolyn at reducing mucus flow and shrinking inflamed tissue.

Incidentally, "AQ" means that the medication is in an aque­ous (water) base and may slightly soften and moisturize sore tissue.

Unlike steroid pills, which affect the whole system, topical (affecting only one location or organ) steroids are activated only in the nose and have less effect on the adrenal glands and the rest of the body. The disadvantage is that they won't, for in­stance, relieve itchy skin or eyes.

The newer nasal steroids, claimed to have fewer side effects than the older medications, work more rapidly and should be started at the first sign of symptoms or earlier.

Steroid nasal sprays are considered first-line treatment for severe allergies; the older medications have been used safely by some patients for ten to twelve years. (Chronic users know to direct the sprays at different parts of the nose.) Side effects are minimal and rare, but steroid nasal sprays can cause mouth and throat irritations, reactions that can be reduced by gargling and rinsing thoroughly with water after each inhalation.