In past years I have not had this problem, however this year I have noticed that my nose is get a little stuffy throughout the day I am guessing from the pollen in the air. I have used Claritin before but it seems to really dry me out and make me very thirsty, where I need to take 1/2 the pill. What other over the counter medications do you like or recommend ??? Thank you for reading and any info or experience given. God Bless !!!

Prescription Flonase. Watch the video on how to spray it in your nose. They have OTC Flonase but it is not as strong.

Last week I finally went to an allergist after years of sniffling year round. Found out I’m allergic to dust mites, grass, cats and hickory trees. I was given a prescription for Singulair and Allergra D. I have to say I noticed a major improvement. If you have not I highly recommend going and get tested.

OTC Guaifenesin 400mg as a decongestant can help me with little side effects. No idea if it's common, but when I was doing keto my allergy and congestion symptoms disappeared.

Allergies are so bad around here that methheads are converting their methamphetamine back into Sudafed.

Years ago an allergist recommended to me that I get a container of canning/pickling salt, mix it in about a 1/4 tsp in a cup of warm water, and use a syringe to irrigate the sinuses. Aka, squirt two to three doses in each nostril, daily. At least during heavy pollen season.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Prescription Flonase. Watch the video on how to spray it in your nose. They have OTC Flonase but it is not as strong.

He hasn't tried Flonase, yet, from his posting info. So, my recommendation is always go low, but appropriate, dose first. Then, escalate only if necessary.

Another OTC nasal spray to help relieve nasal congestion almost instantly is Afrin (oxymetazoline active ingredient), but, it is not to be used for more than 3 days. This helps relieve your nasal congestion right away, while giving the Flonase time to take full effect.

quote:

Originally posted by MRBTX:
Years ago an allergist recommended to me that I get a container of canning/pickling salt, mix it in about a 1/4 tsp in a cup of warm water, and use a syringe to irrigate the sinuses. Aka, squirt two to three doses in each nostril, daily. At least during heavy pollen season.

My ENT recommended water as hot as you can tolerate mixed with a 50/50 mix of canning salt and xylitol. He and Mayo clinic recommend using 1/2 tsp Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo instead of the salt mix to treat a sinus infection. The water should be as hot as you can tolerate. Instead of a syringe or neti pot, you can get a powered irrigator like the SinusPulse Elite. That's what's worked for me for many years now.

I have to take Allertec everyday.

It has reduced the need of using a neti pot for me. I use the standard neti pot solution. It's cheap enough. And I use distilled water. zap for 20 seconds in the microwave.

I have allergies and this year is kicking my butt. I take Zyrtec OTC and Flonase daily during this time of the year.

quote:

Originally posted by VBVAGUY:
What other over the counter medications do you like or recommend ???

Local raw honey.

At 26 I found myself suddenly allergic to ragweed. I started with nasal anti histamines and they worked - until they were bigger problem than the allergy. I haven't been able to go back yet, now 69.

Eventually took shots, but its a hassle, doctors appt etc and I could overcome them by sitting in an acre of ragweed in deer season . . . Oh well.

Moved to Claritin but it slowly lost effectiveness, then tried Nasalchrom and that seemed to work well. Using that most of the symptoms went away and found Zyrtec would supplement on the really bad days.

Now it's all OTC Flonase with 30 days of either Claritin or Zyrtec then switch up. I hate to quit - best breathing I get during the year, but once first frost hits I give it up. Except last year - Covid. Started late in August, 15 days into the season, no symptoms during and none since until this spring. Some reaction to all the pollen now but not much.

I have seasonal allergies at about this time, and again when ragweed appears in the fall. Flonase helps but takes a few days to become effective. I'll also use an antihistamine in combination. You just need to experiment to see which one works best, since efficacy seems individualized. Claritin doesn't work as well for me as Zyrtec or Allegra. I think Zyrtec can cause mild drowsiness, unlike the other two, but seems to work pretty well for me.

I've had significant allergies for years and have used many of the prescribed options covered above.
About 6 years ago I had a really bad cold that was hanging on. Out of desperation I tried the Neilmed set up. Couldn't believe the way it helped. I now use it every morning. Basically it clears up my sinuses and has them ready to operate at full efficiency. It has made a huge improvement in my sinus function and has the added bonus of not being a drug.
One piece of advice. Follow the directions. If you don't match the temperature and salinity you WON'T enjoy the experience.
It seems like it would be really unpleasant but when I started I couldn't believe what it felt like to have a functioning sinus system.

I have seasonal allergies and this is the worst they have ever been.

I spoke with my father in Florida and he said the same thing.

I have tried everything and for some reason nothing is working this year.

I went to an ENT a couple years back and it was the most useless DR visit I have ever had.

If I didn't have high blood pressure before I did when I left that office.

I am 68 yr old have suffered with allergies for ever. I finally cold turkey ed all the meds and keep it washed out with saline spray and allergy eye drops. I am good now with no dry mouth or other side effects...I just mowed 3 acres yesterday, a big dust storm and high winds and I am good. I do hate it when the mold gets high.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

quote:

Originally posted by VBVAGUY:
What other over the counter medications do you like or recommend ???

Local raw honey.

+1. Local honey works. St. Louis is known for allergies and I managed to avoid them until a few years ago. One spoonful of local honey every morning has been a savior

I have also noticed that I need to keep hydrated which helps with lessen or clear my stuffy nose. God Bless

quote:

Originally posted by VBVAGUY:
What other over the counter medications do you like or recommend ???

I've used the following:

• Claritin
  
• Allegra
  
• Zyrtec
  
• NasalCrom (non-corticosteroid nasal spray)
  
• Flonase
  
• Nasacort
  
• Saltwater nasal rinse
  

Generally, I try to stick with the most innocuous of the above (Claritin, NasalCrom, and saltwater rinses), and go to more serious solutions if the more benign measures don't cut it.

Other than the NasalCrom, I usually use the Kirkland (Costco) equivalents.

I use either Allega-D or Zyrtec-D if things get too far, my sinuses become really congested, and/or I feel a sinus headache coming on.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Prescription Flonase. Watch the video on how to spray it in your nose. They have OTC Flonase but it is not as strong.

Flonase is the the only thing I can use. It takes about three days to really start working but holy crap does it work well.