BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.
Choosing the best nasal spray for seasonal allergies
The changing of seasons is often accompanied by undesirable side effects known as seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies plague many people due to the sudden presence of specific plant pollen that only appears during certain times of the year.
Allergies can make us feel under the weather, but you don’t have to let irritating allergies ruin your fun plans. Nasal sprays are an effective way to relieve common allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing and runny nose. We’ve included our top nasal spray picks for seasonal allergies so you can decide which one is best for you.
Shop this article: Afrin Original Maximum Strength Nasal Congestion Relief, Nasacort Allergy 24HR Nasal Spray, Xlear Xylitol Saline Nasal Spray
Types of nasal sprays
There are many different types of nasal sprays, all with different pros and cons. Figuring out which type of nasal spray is best for you will help you narrow down your choices.
Decongestant nasal sprays
Decongestant nasal sprays work by temporarily shrinking the blood vessels inside your nasal passages, which often cause allergy symptoms and sinus pressure. Common decongestant nasal sprays include Afrin, Dristan and Sinex. While these tend to work quickly, you should not use them longer than three to five days, as prolonged use is not recommended.
Steroid nasal sprays
The most common type is a steroid nasal spray. These nasal sprays contain corticosteroids which work to reduce inflammation. Some well-known steroid nasal sprays are Nasacort and Flonase. These aren’t fast-acting and instead work better after consistent use.
Saline nasal sprays
Saline sprays are great for those who want a natural approach to relieving their allergy symptoms. They contain no medication and are just a simple saline solution that works by flushing out your nasal passages. Because they are non-medicated, they may not reduce all allergy symptoms.
Antihistamine nasal sprays
When you have an allergic reaction, your body produces histamines to get rid of the foreign invader, which could be pet dander, dust mites or seasonal allergens. The histamines cause typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and runny nose. An antihistamine blocks the effects of histamine. These are only available by prescription.
How to use nasal sprays
While most nasal sprays have similar instructions, it’s vital to check the instructions on your nasal spray for specific instructions before following any other advice.
- Wash your hands.
- Clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose.
- Check your instructions to see if priming the bottle is necessary.
- Close the opposite nostril you plan on spraying.
- Breathe in deeply while spraying.
- Check instructions for the number of sprays necessary and if it needs to be repeated.
Best nasal spray for seasonal allergies
Afrin Original Maximum Strength Nasal Congestion Relief
Afrin uses oxymetazoline in its formula, which is also present in many over-the-counter cold remedies. Afrin works by stimulating the constriction of blood vessels in your nasal passages.
Sold by Amazon
Nasacort Allergy 24HR Nasal Spray
Nasacort takes a few hours to start working but will provide relief for up to 24 hours. It is an intranasal corticosteroid, which works best for nasal congestion.
Sold by Amazon
Kid’s Xlear Saline Nasal Spray
If your little one is suffering from seasonal allergies, this nasal spray is a great choice. It’s all-natural and non-medicated, working by flushing bacteria, airborne allergens and pollutants in your nasal passages.
Sold by Amazon
Xlear Xylitol Saline Nasal Spray
The same non-medicated formula for kids is also available for adults. The main ingredient is xylitol, a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables.
Sold by Amazon
Vicks Sinex Severe Nasal Spray
Sinex uses oxymetazoline which relieves sinus pressure and shrinks swollen nasal membranes. It offers relief for up to 12 hours.
Sold by Amazon
Vicks Sinex Saline Nasal Spray
This version of Sinex is a drug-free saline nasal spray for those who prefer a more natural route to relieve seasonal allergies. The saline spray will clear your nasal passages of allergens, irritants and congestion.
Sold by Amazon
Bayer Neo-Synephrine Nasal Spray
Allergy symptoms are often caused by dilated blood vessels in your nasal passages. Bayer works by shrinking those blood vessels to relieve congestion and sinus pressure.
Sold by Amazon
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
This non-drowsy nasal spray relieves your seasonal allergy symptoms for up to 24 hours. It uses the active ingredient fluticasone.
Sold by Amazon
Dristan narrows the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This reduces swelling and congestion caused by allergies, offering relief for 12 hours.
Sold by Amazon
Instead of focusing on damage control after experiencing allergy symptoms, NasalCrom works by preventing your nasal allergy symptoms before they even start. It is not an antihistamine nor a steroid.
Sold by Amazon
Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Mist
This saline nasal mist is a natural way to experience allergy relief by flushing nasal passages without medication or steroids. It also moisturizes your nasal passages.
Sold by Amazon
Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Nasal Congestion Relief Sinus & Allergy Nasal Spray
Mucinex is a fast-acting nasal spray that relieves allergy symptoms for up to 12 hours. It promotes nasal and sinus drainage to clear nasal passages.
Sold by Amazon
FlutiCare is a glucocorticoid, which fights congestion, sneezing and runny nose. It’s non-drowsy and works for up to 24 hours.
Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.