I have very bad nasal allergies. What can I take that is over-the-counter?

Get a Neti Pot. Cheap ones are available at drugstores, etc. It will do wonders.

Oh, like a saline rinse? Does that help control mucus or does that just work on the inflammation? This site has a lot of information about nasal allergies. What are your thoughts on what is said there?

http://www.avoid-nasal-allergies.com/sinusitis.html

If your nose has shutdown, go to Dollar General Store and purchase Afrin or similar nose spray. its cheaper there. also, the store brand of allergy relief tablets help. their brand is as good as any of them and about one third of the cost. while you are there, pickup some Vit. C. it will help in case your allegies turn into a full-blown cold.

Ever since I began eating a better diet (fewer processed foods and less sugar), I’ve had almost no trouble with allergies. Some years, even ragweed season isn’t a problem. Eating a better diet is the best thing you can do.

When I used to take pills, Claritin worked well until I built up a tolerance for it. After that, I switched to Tavist. Tavist is still what carry with me in case I get hit with miserable sneezing fits. My Dad swears by Zyrtec, and his allergies are worse than mine ever were.

A saline rinse helps clear out the mucus, and can also remove irritants that have become trapped in your nose. Make sure to gargle with it as well, to clear out your throat. I use a nasal bulb, not a neti pot. Alkalol is a great to use alternated with saline, although I don’t use it because I’m prone to swallowing. It’s one of those old-fashioned medicines that’s hard to find in stores now.

Making sure you get enough of Vitamins C and D will also help a lot. Taking garlic (either in your food, through pills, or from an extract) can help ease minor symptoms, and it’s overall good immune support.

Things that work and have low risk of harm:
Hypertonic nasal saline irrations with a neti pot or pulsatile irrigator
Oral antihistamines if taken in recommended doses
Cromolyn sodium sprays

Things that work but may cause harm:
Any spray decongentant such as Afrin or Neosynephrine. They work, but are highly addictive.

Things that don’t work, and you’ll throw away money, but won’t do any harm
Any homeopathic remedy
Any water soluble based vitamin such as Bs or Cs

Things that don’t work and may cause harm if taken in high enough doses
Any fat-based vitamin such as A, D, or E

Take note of problems with Neti pot. If you have narrow eustachian tubes, the force of the liquid can cause lots of pain.

I have used a spray of cromolyn sodium for a gloppy post-nasal drip with success. It used to need a script from an MD but now can be purchased OTC.