4 Nasal Sprays for Allergy Relief in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the worst cities for those with breathing problems due to the high rates of air pollution and pollen during the spring and fall. It’s not unusual for Angelenos to feel like they have congested sinuses, a dry nose, or a sore throat.
When you have a stuffy nose, it can be difficult to sleep, work out, or even breathe. People with congested sinuses can seek out many different kinds of relief, such as prescription pills or steam therapy. Many allergy doctors in Los Angeles recommend nasal sprays, which can be bought over the counter and through a written prescription.
The highest recommended nasal sprays are listed below.
Decongestant Sprays
When you’re congested, it’s because of swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose. Decongestant sprays will shrink these vessels and tissues to clear out your airways. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Afrin, Dristan, Sinex) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) are nasal decongestant sprays that can be purchased over the counter.
A nasal specialist will tell you not to use decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days straight, as prolonged use can reverse the effects.
Antihistamine Sprays
Since your nasal congestion is caused by something in the air that you’re allergic to, an antihistamine spray can relieve your symptoms of allergies. These kinds of sprays require a prescription. Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase) are the two most popular. Keep in mind that they might make you drowsy.
Steroid Nasal Sprays
A steroid nasal spray will reduce congestion and sneezing. However, the effects of these sprays do not kick in right away, so you won’t start feeling allergy relief until a week into using steroidal nasal sprays.
Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom)
This kind of nasal spray will prevent your body from releasing histamines, which are the chemicals that cause runny noses and sneezing. People who use NasalCrom will experience their congestion disappear in as little as 30 minutes. For the most optimum results, start using this kind of spray one or two weeks before allergy season, and make sure to continue to use it at least once a day. Side effects may include a burning sensation in your nose, so you may not want to use this if you are asthmatic.
Make sure to visit an ENT doctor in Los Angeles before committing to a nasal spray. Through a consultation at Westside Head & Neck, you can understand which option is best for you.