The Nose Knows: Which Is Best for Allergies – Pills or Nasal Sprays?

Tuesday, November 25 2008

The debate never seems to end: which works better for allergies – pills or nasal sprays? Nearly everyone suffers from one type of allergy or another at some point in their lives, and only through trial and error do we find what works best for us and our particular allergy symptoms.

The fact is, by delivering allergy medicines directly to the site -- your nose -- nasal allergy sprays help prevent and treat allergy symptoms with fewer side effects than pills. But some people like the convenience of taking a pill each day without having to stick something up their nose every time they need to breathe better.

Below are a few of the leading allergy options in both pill and spray form, prescription and non-prescription. We’ll start with the pills.

1. Benadryl. For symptoms of hay fever (itchy throat, watery eyes) and the common cold (runny nose, nasal congestion), Benadryl is a longtime favorite and now comes in several varieties and forms. Millions of people use it, even though it can cause drowsiness.
    
2. Allegra. Available with a prescription, Allegra handles many of the same symptoms of Benadryl, but is supposed to usually be non-drowsy and provide longer relief, unlike Benadryl (and others), which warn you about staying alert behind the wheel.
    
3. Zyrtec OTC. This is the same Zyrtec that was available only with a prescription until 2008, which makes one wonder how long it will be before every prescription allergy drug will be OTC. It’s supposed to be especially useful in treating indoor allergy problems (i.e., pet dander) and is supposed to begin working within an hour.

Then we have some leading sprays:

1. Flonase. Prescription Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that treats indoor and outdoor allergies as well as year-round non-allergic nasal symptoms. While it is largely effective, some people complain about the taste of the medication.
    
2. Afrin. Over-the-counter Afrin is a decongestant nasal spray that promotes nasal drainage and relieves nasal stuffiness. While it is effective, many people complain of being “addicted” to Afrin, as they begin to find it physically difficult to breathe unless they use it.
    
3. NasalCrom. Over-the-counter NasalCrom is an anti-inflammatory sodium nasal spray that not only helps clear up nasal allergy problems, but may help prevent further symptoms. It is said to be effective for environmental (indoor) allergies as well as seasonal.

So, the final verdict about whether sprays or pills are better for allergies? Better is obviously in the itchy eyes of the beholder. There are a lot of good products out there, and what you use seems to depend not only on what your symptoms are, but on whether or not you like the convenience of a pill or you would prefer to put a spray up your nose when you need it. Whichever one you choose, we hope you breathe easier!