Decongestants
Decongestants are medications available in both prescription and OTC nasal sprays, tablets, and liquids. Pseudoephedrine is a common OTC decongestant that can be taken orally. For nasal sprays, you can go for oxymetazoline or phenylephrine hydrochloride. Be aware of possible side effects of oral decongestants, such as headache, irritability, insomnia, or higher blood pressure. Avoid using decongestant nasal sprays continuously for more than 2 or 3 days as it may worsen the symptoms of hay fever. [5]
Sinus Rinsing
A quick and inexpensive yet effective way to alleviate nasal congestion caused by hay fever is to rinse the nasal passages with sterile, distilled saline. This procedure is also known as nasal irrigation. It helps flush out all allergens and mucus from the nose. You can easily purchase a neti pot or a squeeze bottle in a drug store or pharmacy. For saline solution, you can use sterile and distilled water that has been boiled. After each use, keep in mind to rinse the device thoroughly and let it dry. [6]
