What’s the Best Nasal Spray for Congestion?

Nasal congestion can be annoying and uncomfortable, and it is often caused by allergies, colds, or sinus infections. With so many nasal sprays available, choosing the right one can be confusing.

Do you need quick relief for a stuffy nose, or do you want a long-term solution for ongoing problems? Knowing the different types of nasal sprays and what they do is important for finding the best one for your situation.

In this guide, we’ll have a look at different types of nasal sprays — like decongestant sprays, antihistamine sprays, and steroid sprays. We will also talk about new options like Allermi that can give you complete relief.

Choosing the Best Nasal Spray for Your Needs

When picking a nasal spray, make sure you decide if you need short-term or long-term relief.

If you want immediate relief from a stuffy nose due to a cold or allergies, decongestant nasal sprays can help. These sprays work fast and usually relieve symptoms within minutes.

However, they should only be used for a few days to avoid rebound congestion. This happens when the blood vessels in the nasal passages become dependent on the medication in decongestant nasal sprays. As a result, your nasal passages become more congested after you stop using them [*].

Steroid nasal sprays are more suitable for ongoing issues like chronic allergies or nasal inflammation. These sprays help reduce swelling and manage symptoms over time, meaning they’re advisable for daily use to achieve optimal results.

Antihistamine nasal sprays, such as azelastine, on the other hand, can also relieve symptoms of nasal allergies by blocking histamines that cause inflammation. They tend to act more quickly than steroid sprays but may not be as effective in reducing overall inflammation.

Yes, antihistamine sprays can be used regularly, but they may not be as suitable for chronic conditions compared to steroid sprays.

Important note: If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional to find the best option for you.

Related: How Long Does It Take for Allergy Medicine to Work?

What’s the Best Nasal Spray for Congestion?

Combination nasal sprays stand out as some of the best nasal sprays for congestion because they target multiple symptoms in a single treatment.

Allermi is one excellent example, as it provides a customizable combination of ingredients tailored to individual needs. Allermi combines a steroid to reduce inflammation and an antihistamine to block allergic reactions — providing comprehensive relief for congestion, swelling, and runny nose symptoms.

The unique benefit of Allermi is its personalized approach. Its formulation will be based on your symptoms. A doctor can adjust the formulation to make sure you get the right balance of medications in one easy-to-use spray!

This makes it highly effective for tackling congestion from various causes, such as allergies or chronic sinus issues, all in one go.

OTC Antihistamine Nasal Spray for Congestion

Antihistamine nasal sprays work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions that causes nasal congestion, itching, and runny nose.

These sprays directly target the nasal passages and provide quick relief — usually within 15 to 30 minutes. They can be used as needed during allergy seasons.

Azelastine is an OTC antihistamine nasal spray that offers quick relief from stuffy nose, sneezing, and runny nose due to allergies. It doesn’t cause drowsiness and can be used regularly for ongoing allergy symptoms.

OTC Steroid Nasal Spray for Congestion

Steroid nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which helps relieve congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies.

These sprays take longer to show effects, typically over 24 hours, but they provide long-lasting relief when used regularly. They are especially effective for managing chronic nasal symptoms and allergies.

OTC steroid nasal sprays include:

• Fluticasone (Flonase). Fluticasone is a common steroid spray that helps reduce swelling in the nose and relieve allergy symptoms.
• Budesonide (Rhinocort). Budesonide works well to reduce swelling in the nose and helps people with allergies find steady relief.
• Triamcinolone (Nasacort). Triamcinolone helps reduce swelling in the nose and is known for relieving allergy symptoms.

Related: NasalCrom vs. Flonase: Differences and Alternatives

OTC Decongestant Nasal Spray

Decongestant nasal sprays work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and congestion.

These sprays provide quick relief, often within minutes. They’re ideal for temporary relief from nasal stuffiness caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections. However, they should only be used for a short time to avoid rebound congestion.

Here are some popular decongestant nasal sprays:

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin). Oxymetazoline is a popular decongestant spray that quickly relieves a stuffy nose.
• Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Phenylephrine is another effective decongestant that quickly helps relieve a stuffy nose.
• Xylometazoline (Otrivin). Xylometazoline is known for working quickly to relieve a stuffy nose.

Related: Afrin vs. Flonase: Differences and Alternatives

What are the Common Side Effects of Nasal Sprays?

Common side effects of nasal sprays include nasal irritation, which can cause a burning or stinging feeling in the nose. Some people may also notice a bitter taste in their mouth after using the spray.

In some cases, nasal sprays can lead to nosebleeds, especially if used frequently or improperly. If you experience these side effects and they persist or worsen, it's a good idea to consult a doctor. Most of these side-effects can be mitigated by proper technique for using the nasal spray.

Can You Combine Different Nasal Sprays?

Yes, you can combine different nasal sprays, but it’s often better to opt for a combination nasal spray like Allermi if you're dealing with multiple symptoms.

Allermi combines up to four active ingredients, such as an antihistamine, decongestant, anticholinergic, and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid.

This not only saves you time by reducing the number of products you need to use in intervals but also minimizes the risk of side effects that can come from using multiple sprays.

Related: What to Do When Allergy Medicine Doesn't Work?

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right nasal spray depends on whether you need quick relief or a long-term solution. Decongestant sprays work fast but should only be used for a few days to avoid rebound congestion. Steroid and antihistamine sprays are better for daily, long-term use.

On the other hand, Allermi offers a personalized option that targets multiple symptoms for complete relief.

References:

1. Wahid, N. W. B., & Shermetaro, C. (2023b, September 4). Rhinitis Medicamentosa. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538318/
2. deShazo, R. D., & Kemp, S. F. (2024). Allergic rhinitis: Beyond the basics. UpToDate. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/allergic-rhinitis-beyond-the-basics