How do antihistamine and decongestant nasal sprays give allergy relief?
When antihistamines or decongestants are used in nasal sprays instead of taken orally, you may get effective relief of allergy symptoms without some of the side effects of oral allergy medicines. Decongestant nasal sprays give allergy relief for a swollen, congested nasal passage. A decongestant nasal spray may also relieve nasal swelling quickly without causing symptoms such as insomnia. However, decongestants should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure and heart disease. Antihistamines block the effect of “histamine,” a substance in the body that causes nasal stuffiness and dripping in hay fever. An antihistamine nasal spray can treat allergy symptoms, including the drippy nose, without causing as much drowsiness as an oral antihistamine. (Although sometimes sedation is a side effect with antihistamine nasal sprays, so use caution when driving.) It’s best to use antihistamine nasal sprays before you’re exposed to allergens to prevent sneezing, runny nose, and itc
