We're in the thick of allergy season, and if you're waking up with a runny nose and itchy eyes, you're certainly not alone.Video above: Here's how to cope with seasonal allergies in springAccording to expert doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, nasal sprays are the best way to manage seasonal allergies.“Nasal sprays really are the best medical therapy we have for managing allergic rhinitis, or hay fever,” Dr. Mark Aronica, an allergist, said in the Cleveland Clinic article. “You generally use them just once a day in most instances, but they do take a little time to kick in and have benefits. I usually tell my patients that because of that time lag and efficacy, you want to start using your nose spray at least two to three weeks before allergy season starts.”Two types of nasal sprays are available over the counter — steroid sprays and decongestant sprays. Here's what doctors recommend from each category:Steroid spraysCongestion happens when your nasal tissue becomes swollen and inflamed. Nasal steroid sprays, which are popular over-the-counter options, target inflammation to reduce swelling and help clear up stuffiness.Flonase, a product that uses the active ingredient fluticasone, is one of the most popular nasal sprays on the market. It offers 24-hour, non-drowsy relief all day and night. It's also formulated for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Head to Amazon to stock up on Flonase for this spring allergy season.Nasacort, with the active ingredient betamethasone, is another great over-the-counter option for your seasonal allergies.Decongestant spraysDecongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose and opening up the airways.The popular brand of over-the-counter decongestants, Mucinex, is known for its pills and liquid medications, but it also sells a handy nose spray. This nose spray uses the active ingredient oxymetazoline HCI and also has menthol in the formula, creating a cooling effect that is great for sinus pressure. Check out this product on Amazon today.Want the decongestant without the menthol? This spray from Vicks is the perfect option. It features the same active ingredient, oxymetazoline HCI, but does not have the cooling effect that some people enjoy but others find uncomfortable. You can find this product online and in-store at CVS.For more coverage of the best products for spring, click here.
We're in the thick of allergy season, and if you're waking up with a runny nose and itchy eyes, you're certainly not alone.
Video above: Here's how to cope with seasonal allergies in spring
According to expert doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, nasal sprays are the best way to manage seasonal allergies.
“Nasal sprays really are the best medical therapy we have for managing allergic rhinitis, or hay fever,” Dr. Mark Aronica, an allergist, said in the Cleveland Clinic article. “You generally use them just once a day in most instances, but they do take a little time to kick in and have benefits. I usually tell my patients that because of that time lag and efficacy, you want to start using your nose spray at least two to three weeks before allergy season starts.”
Two types of nasal sprays are available over the counter — steroid sprays and decongestant sprays. Here's what doctors recommend from each category:
Steroid sprays
Congestion happens when your nasal tissue becomes swollen and inflamed. Nasal steroid sprays, which are popular over-the-counter options, target inflammation to reduce swelling and help clear up stuffiness.
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
Flonase
amazon.com
$43.96
Flonase, a product that uses the active ingredient fluticasone, is one of the most popular nasal sprays on the market. It offers 24-hour, non-drowsy relief all day and night. It's also formulated for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Head to Amazon to stock up on Flonase for this spring allergy season.
Nasacort 24HR Allergy Nasal Spray
Nasacort, with the active ingredient betamethasone, is another great over-the-counter option for your seasonal allergies.
Decongestant sprays
Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose and opening up the airways.
Mucinex Severe Nasal Congestion Relief Clear & Cool Nasal Spray
Mucinex
amazon.com
$26.91
The popular brand of over-the-counter decongestants, Mucinex, is known for its pills and liquid medications, but it also sells a handy nose spray. This nose spray uses the active ingredient oxymetazoline HCI and also has menthol in the formula, creating a cooling effect that is great for sinus pressure. Check out this product on Amazon today.
Vicks Sinex SEVERE Original Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray Decongestant
Want the decongestant without the menthol? This spray from Vicks is the perfect option. It features the same active ingredient, oxymetazoline HCI, but does not have the cooling effect that some people enjoy but others find uncomfortable. You can find this product online and in-store at CVS.
For more coverage of the best products for spring, click here.