{"id":626695,"date":"2024-02-08T15:50:31","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T20:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626695"},"modified":"2024-11-13T09:30:54","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T14:30:54","slug":"best-allergy-medicine-for-a-runny-nose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-allergy-medicine-for-a-runny-nose\/","title":{"rendered":"Best allergy medicine for a runny nose"},"content":{"rendered":"

A runny nose can be highly annoying. And, if it\u2019s caused by allergies, it may continue until you find out what you\u2019re allergic to. <\/span>Allergic rhinitis<\/span><\/a>, also called hay fever or seasonal allergies, is a term used to describe symptoms that affect the nose and occur when breathing in something you\u2019re allergic to, whether that\u2019s pollen, dust, animal dander, or even food. When a person with allergic rhinitis is exposed to an allergen, their body releases chemicals that cause symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Allergies can be a nuisance, but they are treatable. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best allergy medicine for your specific needs. Options usually include antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines<\/span><\/h2>\n

Antihistamines<\/span><\/a> come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, eye drops, and nasal sprays. They work by inhibiting the actions of a substance known as histamine. \u201cWhen you\u2019re exposed to an allergen, your body produces histamine, which binds to receptors in blood vessels, making them enlarge. This leads to symptoms like swelling and redness. In the nose, histamine increases the production of mucus, which is why your nose runs,\u201d says <\/span>Manan Shah, MD<\/span><\/a>, founder and chief medical officer of Wyndly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The histamine release triggers allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, running or blocked nose, sneezing, and skin rashes. \u201cBy taking an antihistamine, you prevent histamine from binding to its receptors, which helps reduce the symptoms it causes. So, when it comes to a runny nose due to allergies, antihistamines can help reduce the mucus production and keep your nose dry,\u201d Dr. Shah says. Examples of antihistamines used to manage a runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, and the common cold include Benadryl (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>), Clarinex (<\/span>desloratadine<\/span><\/a>), Allegra (<\/span>fexofenadine<\/span><\/a>), and Xyzal (<\/span>levocetirizine<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamine nasal sprays<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antihistamine nasal sprays are popular choices for treating a runny nose due to allergies. Because you can apply the spray directly to the nasal tissues, they can offer quick relief from a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal itching. \u201cBecause they\u2019re localized, they may have fewer systemic side effects compared to oral antihistamines,\u201d Dr. Shah says. \u201cThey\u2019re particularly useful for people who may not tolerate oral antihistamines well or for whom oral antihistamines aren\u2019t fully effective.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of antihistamine nasal sprays include Flonase (<\/span>fluticasone<\/span><\/a>), Astelin (<\/span>azelastine<\/span><\/a>), and Patanase (<\/span>olopatadine<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of antihistamines\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antihistamines can trigger some <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a>, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n