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Recommendations for a nasal decongestant?

Posted: Sep 12, 2015

I think I have post nasal drip from allergies. I keep getting mucous in the back of my mouth. Thanks.

;

Have you tried OTC - steroid sprays?

[ In Reply To ..]
Those seem to work well for me, except for the side effects. The only pills that work for me are the pseudoephedrines, like Claritin-D but they make me too hyper so I can't sleep.

I tried other things, plain Claritin, neti pot, nothing else worked.

The only thing that really does work without drugs is to change my diet. I cut out dairy, wheat and soy. I can eat some dairy, but not too much, or I start getting the mucus back. Also keep yourself hydrated. Hope this helps.

I use the generic of Zyrtec...SM - Old Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
for allergies year round. I like it better than Claritin. The D formulation may dry you out too much. I read an article on AARP that the best time to take an antihistamine is early evening. I don't remember exactly why, but it was some scientific explanation. I usually take mine a couple hours before bedtime. Where I am (New England) ragweed season started at the end of July and worsened my environmental allergies. I hope this is helpful for you.

Allegra and no gluten, no dairy, and ... - No decongestant!

[ In Reply To ..]
One of the nonsedating antihistamines, like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra, taken regularly, should stop most of it. Try them to see which works best for you.

The OTC steroid spray alone might work well enough, unless you have itchy eyes and the rest of it.

The suggestion for a gluten-free and dairy-free diet is excellent ... you should be amazed at how much improvement you should see in just a few weeks. That should extend to areas you had not thought of.

You really ought to avoid decongestants. They do not prevent the formation of excess fluids and mucus, like the above, as much as they thicken it and prevent drainage. That promotes sinus infections. OTC nasal sprays like Afrin have a rebound effect, too, which keeps you having to use them.

N95 dust masks are very useful. They filter out the pollen and other allergens. I buy big boxes on Amazon or at the hardware store, and wear one if I am going to be in lot of dust or pollen, run into smoke from fires on the highway, or people at work make popcorn in the microwave. They filter it ALL out.

Hope this helps.

If I might reply to something you said - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
You are 100% correct with respect to nasal rebound. I've had it for many years. The ONLY products that ever worked to keep the problem under control are Beconase and Flonase. Flonase is cheaper, just as effective, and you don't need a Rx.

What I Do - see msg

[ In Reply To ..]
I use a saline spray every day, every day. I squirt 2 squirts in each nostril, let it sit for a sec, then blow my nose. Blows the allergens right out of there. I do this whether I am having an allergy day or not, and it seems to be a preventive. And you can't get rebound or anything with the saline spray. It's quite harmless.

Neti Pot - have you tried?

[ In Reply To ..]
I bought a plastic neti pot from local drugstore, under $15. Absolutely loved it during allergy season, cleared me right up and also works when you are stuffy from colds. It's something you need to do frequently throughout day, but we are home and its super simple. Hope it may relieve some issues.

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