Azelastine vs Flonase – Which Is The Best Medicine To Relieve Nasal Allergy Symptoms?

Nasal allergies, better known as allergic rhinitis, usually happen when allergens in the air cause uncomfortable symptoms that affect the nasal passages.

In the present day, more people in the United States suffer from allergic rhinitis with an estimated 40 million people.

Also, according to the data, one out of every four Americans has year-round and seasonal nasal allergies.

Causes

When an individual with a nasal allergy breathes in an allergen, like – mold, pollen, dust, or animal dander, the body releases chemicals which cause allergy symptoms.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of nasal allergies include:

• coughing;
• sneezing;
• itchy eyes;
• a runny nose;
• dark circles under the eyes;
• a stuffy nose;
• frequent headaches;
• excessive fatigue;
• an itchy nose;
• hives;
• dry, itchy skin that can blister;
• watery eyes;
• a sore or scratchy throat.

These symptoms can be reduced with natural or allopathic remedies. Below are two popular medicines:

Azelastine

Azelastine (Astelin is the brand name) belongs to a group of medicines known as antihistamines which are used to relieve nasal symptoms, like – sneezing, runny/itching/stuffy nose, and post-nasal drip caused by allergic conditions.

This drug works by blocking histamines, certain natural substances that are responsible for nasal symptoms.

Uses

It is used to help relieve symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis (inflammation of the membranes inside your nose).

Dosage

The recommended dose is 1 spraying in each nostril 2 times per day until symptoms disappear. Also, it comes in an eye drop form that can be applied to the affected eye two times per day.

After nasal administration, this antihistamine is systemically absorbed with a bioavailability of approximately 40 percent.

Note – do not use this medicine for more than 6 months.

Side Effects And Precautions Of Astelin

Common side effects may include:

• fever;
• a bitter taste in the mouth;
• headaches;
• sneezing;
• vomiting;
• nose pain;
• skin rash;
• nosebleeds;
• ear infection;
• drowsiness;
• dry mouth;
• a sore throat;
• dizziness;
• a cough.

To make sure that this medicine is good for you, it is essential that your healthcare provider knows:

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine;
• if you wear soft contact lenses;
• if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Some individuals can experience an allergic reaction, with symptoms including:

• swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat;
• itching;
• wheezing;
• shortness of breath;
• hives;
• rash.

Flonase

It is a popular nasal spray that contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid that prevents the release of substances in the human body which causes inflammation.

Uses

It is commonly used to treat nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes (when tears can’t drain away properly) caused by year-round or seasonal allergies. More importantly, this nasal spray helps prevent asthma attacks and symptoms.

Important note – it is not used to relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Dosage

The typical recommended dose for children 4 years of age and older is 1 spray in each nostril once per day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 1 spray in each nostril two times per day or 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.

For adults, the recommended dose is 1 spray in each nostril two times a day or 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

• burning, itching, and redness at the site of application;
• throat pain;
• nosebleeds;
• headaches;
• a cough;
• throat irritation;
• upper airway inflammation.

Seek immediate specialized medical attention and stop using this nasal spray if any of the following occur:

• swelling of the lips, face, or eyes;
• chest pain;
• difficulty breathing;
• hives.

It is not known precisely whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk, therefore, nursing mothers should be extra cautious when using this nasal spray.

When taken for long periods of time at high doses, more side effects may occur, including:

• suppressed functioning of the adrenal glands (a collection of glands that produce aldosterone and cortisol);
• changes in behavior or mood;
• Cushing’s syndrome (caused by abnormally high levels of cortisol);
• slowed growth in children;
• thinning of the bones (osteoporosis);
• cataracts (a clouding of the lens in your eyes);
• glaucoma.

Azelastine vs Flonase – Which Is The Best Medicine To Relieve Nasal Allergy Symptoms?

These nasal sprays are almost the same with regards to what they do, however, their chemical compounds are different.

Flonase is an excellent allopathic treatment for nasal allergy symptoms, however, its long-term use can increase the chance of side effects.

On the other hand, Azelastine is an antihistamine nasal spray that can treat a blocked nose, runny nose, and sneezing immediately after use. It also has a variety of possible side effects.

Natural Remedies That Provide Nasal Allergy Relief

#1 Butterbur

Butterbur (scientific name – Petasites hybridus) is a type of marsh plant which has long been used for medicinal purposes.

For example, some studies concluded that an extract from this medicinal herb may be as effective as antihistamine drugs.

#2 Anise

The ancient Egyptians and Romans used this plant and its essential oil for the treatment of numerous conditions.

Currently, it is frequently recommended by herbalists as a natural expectorant to break up congestion in the chest as well as to relieve nasal allergy symptoms.

#3 Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a medicinal plant containing a potent active ingredient (menthol) which helps us with flu, cold, and other health problems.

Tip – adding a slice of lemon or lemon juice to your peppermint tea can also thin mucus, due to the acidic properties of lemon.

#4 Fenugreek

It may relieve congestion by acting as a natural astringent to dry out mucus production. Moreover, it can also be used for inflammation of the digestive tract and stomach.

#5 Nutrition

According to research, people who consume lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, especially – pineapples, red grapes, oranges, apples, papayas, mangoes, blueberries, blackberries, horseradish, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, had considerably fewer allergy symptoms.

Images source – Shutterstock & Getty

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9051434
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20674829
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866558/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23206477