The Best Nasal Spray for Allergies

Allergies can make life uncomfortable with sneezing, stuffy noses, and itchy eyes. If you're looking for relief, a nasal spray might help.

Nasal sprays work in different ways to relieve allergy symptoms. Some provide all-in-one relief, while others reduce swelling, block histamines, or clear congestion. Some even help prevent symptoms before they start.

Knowing how each type works can help you find the right ones for your allergies. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of nasal sprays and how they can help you feel better!

What is the Best Nasal Spray for Allergies?

Combination nasal sprays are often the best choice for allergy relief. They combine medications like antihistamines and steroids to address various symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and nasal itching. This reduces the need for multiple medications, which offers a straightforward solution for allergies.

Allermi is an excellent combination nasal spray for allergy relief. It’s designed to match your specific symptoms with the right mix of ingredients.

Unlike other sprays, Allermi doesn’t just have an antihistamine and a steroid. It also includes a micro-dosed decongestant and, if needed,  an anti-discharge, This powerful mix helps clear congestion, reduce swelling, and stop sneezing and itching. As a result, you can experience almost complete or fully complete relief from allergy symptoms.

Steroid Nasal Sprays for Allergies

Steroid nasal sprays are a common way to treat allergy symptoms like stuffy nose, sneezing, and swelling in the nasal passages. They help by reducing inflammation, which makes it easier to breathe [*]. These sprays work well for both seasonal and year-round allergies, but they don’t provide instant relief. It can take a few days or weeks before you notice the full effects.

Some popular steroid nasal sprays include:

• Flonase (fluticasone propionate)
  
• Nasonex (mometasone furoate)
  
• Rhinocort (budesonide)
  
• Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide)

Many of these sprays are available without a prescription, but it's always a good idea to check with a doctor to make sure you're using the right one for your symptoms.

Learn which one might be the best fit for you by checking our comparison about Nasacort vs. Flonase.

Antihistamine Nasal Sprays for Allergies

Antihistamine nasal sprays work fast to stop allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a stuffy nose. They block histamines, which are chemicals that cause these reactions. Unlike steroid sprays, which take a few days to work, antihistamine sprays start working in just a few minutes. This makes them a great choice for quick relief during sudden allergy flare-ups. They also tend to cause less side effects than an oral antihistamine because they are not absorbed by the entire body.

These sprays can help with both seasonal and year-round allergies.

However, unlike steroid nasal sprays, their effects don’t last long—only a few hours. Therefore, using them without a nasal steroid usually only leads to temporary relief and is not effective for many people.

Popular antihistamine nasal sprays include:

• Astelin (azelastine)
  
• Astepro (azelastine)
  
• Patanase (olopatadine)

Important: If you're already taking an oral antihistamine (like cetirizine or loratadine), adding an antihistamine nasal spray could increase side effects, like drowsiness or dry mouth. We recommend not using both together, and consider switching to a nasal antihistamine since it tends to cause less side effects.

Learn more about Astepro vs. Flonase for a detailed comparison of how these sprays work and their benefits.

Decongestant Nasal Sprays for Allergies

Decongestant nasal sprays work fast to clear nasal congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels. They only treat congestion and do not help with sneezing or a runny nose.

For over the counter nasal decongestants, it is recommended to not use them for more than three days in a row,  as using them too often can lead to rebound congestion, where your nose becomes even more blocked when the spray wears off. This can make your symptoms worse and harder to treat [*].

Popular decongestant nasal sprays include:

• Afrin (oxymetazoline)
  
• Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief (oxymetazoline)
  
• Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)
  

While traditional decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion, Allermi takes a different approach by incorporating a micro-dosed decongestant alongside a nasal anti-inflammatory. This combination helps mitigate many common side effects associated with nasal decongestants, which offers a more sustainable way to manage congestion. To learn more, check out this post.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizer nasal sprays help prevent allergy symptoms before they start. They work by stopping mast cells from releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause swelling and irritation.

These sprays work best when used before you're exposed to allergens, making them a great option for preventing seasonal allergies. However, they take longer to work than other allergy sprays. Use them regularly for the best results.

The most common mast cell stabilizer nasal spray is NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium), which is available over the counter.

What are the Common Side Effects of Nasal Sprays?

Nasal sprays can sometimes cause mild irritation, leading to a slight burning or stinging sensation in the nose. Some people may also notice an unpleasant taste in their mouth after using the spray if using the spray improperly.

To ensure correct usage and minimize discomfort, refer to this video on how to use a nasal spray properly.

Frequent or improper use can increase the risk of side effects like nosebleeds, especially if you keep hitting the middle of the nose with the nasal spray tip, which has many blood vessels. If any of these symptoms persist or become bothersome, it’s best to check with a doctor. The good news is that using the correct technique can help minimize these issues.

Can You Combine Different Nasal Sprays for Allergies?

Yes, different nasal sprays can be used together, but it’s often more convenient to choose a combination spray like Allermi if you have multiple symptoms.

Allermi’s formula includes up to four targeted ingredients, such as a steroid, antihistamine, micro-dosed decongestant, and anti-discharge, to tackle congestion, sneezing, itching, and inflammation all at once. This makes it a powerful and well-rounded option for allergy relief.

The Bottom Line

Managing allergies starts with choosing the right nasal spray. Whether you need fast relief, long-term control, or a way to prevent symptoms before they start, there’s an option that fits your needs.

Steroid, antihistamine, decongestant, and mast cell stabilizer options are separate medications that target specific symptoms.

On the other hand, combination sprays like Allermi offer all-in-one relief — which makes them a more convenient choice for those who need multiple treatments in one.

If you're unsure which option is right for you, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

References:

1. Chong, L. Y., Head, K., Hopkins, C., Philpott, C., Burton, M. J., & Schilder, A. G. (2016). Different types of intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(4), CD011993. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011993.pub2
2. Wahid NWB, Shermetaro C. Rhinitis Medicamentosa. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538318/