top of page
Search

Allergy meds causing nasal drama?

Updated: Apr 24

Are your allergy meds causing nosebleeds?  Nasal dryness and cracking?  Allergy season has arrived – everyone’s nose is running and dripping!

Spring has arrived!  Warm evenings filled with the first BBQ’s of the year.  With baseball, picnics, and all the other joys of spring, its easy to forget…the bloom of flowers also means the beginning of your seasonal allergies!

 

Without warning it begins… the constant nasal draining!   

Itchy eyes and constant sneezing just don’t go with family bike rides, so you reach for your regiment of allergy meds (some OTC and some rx).   

 

Allergy meds solve watery eyes and runny noses, but are we solving one problem and causing another?  Are we trading runny noses for bleeding noses?

"...but within a few days of taking my allergy spray I get these little sores inside my nose and random nosebleeds!   Using Aquegel gives the moisture back to my nostrils… No more nosebleeds!" -Addie (Aquegel user)

Allergy meds reduce allergy symptoms, but sometimes their side-effects are worse than the symptoms they are treating.  Counter allergy medication side-effects and re-moisturize your nose this spring.


Contents

This blog focuses on the in's and out's of living with allergy medication side-effects -


What are seasonal allergies(or allergic rhinitis)?

Before diving into seasonal allergies, its important to understand mucus, or snot!  Your body produces 38 ounces (or almost 1/3rd of a gallon) of mucus everyday!  Mucus acts as a barrier, trapping bacteria, and allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

 

Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, refers to a group of symptoms affecting the nose.  Essentially, an allergy attack occurs when you breathe in something you are allergic to (such as dust, animal dander, or pollen).  Your body begins over-producing mucus to expel a substance the body has identified as harmful (an allergen).

 

Symptoms are extremely similar to the common cold – runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and watery eyes.  However, unlike the common cold that lasts 3-7 days after exposure to a virus, seasonal allergy symptoms will continue as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.

 

Unfortunately, reducing exposure is difficult as the plants that cause hay fever are extremely common (trees, grasses, and ragweed).  Their pollen is carried by the wind and is produced heavily during spring and summer months………..Allergy Meds here we come!


Side-effects of seasonal allergy medications

According the CDC, 25.7% of adults and 18.9% of children have seasonal allergies.  With seasonal allergies so prevalent, many turn to daily regiments of antihistamines, decongestants, and Intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs).

 

All of these medications are intended to reduce the bodies response to allergic reactions – OR reduce your production of mucus.  But less mucus has its pitfalls….

 

Common side-effects of seasonal allergy medications:

1)    Nasal Dryness

2)    Nosebleeds

3)    Nasal cracking and sores


Does your allergy medication cause nasal drama?

The most popular class of drugs (intranasal corticosteroids) utilized for the treatment of allergic rhinitis also come with highest risk of nosebleeds and nasal irritation. 

 

Common Cortiosteroids –

fluticasone propionate (Flonase)

triamcinolone (Nasacort)

budesonide (Rhinocort)


Preventing side-effects: nasal dryness and nosebleeds

Don’t worry – your nose isn’t a lost cause.  Allergy medicine is a way of life for many but you don’t have to live with the drying side-effects of your allergy medicine.

 

Follow these steps and your nose will be comfortable….even with the meds!

1)    Moisturize your nasal passages – use a long-lasting nasal gel (like Aquegel Nasal Moisturizers®) daily to keep your nasal passages from drying out.

2)    Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water can have drastic impacts on the elasticity and durability of your nasal tissue.


Aquegel Nasal Moisturizers are applied inside the nostrils, at the source of dryness, acting as an aqueduct bringing moisture where you need it most!





















"I have allergies, year round.  So my meds dry my nose out to the point of bleeding.  Aquegel Eucalyptus has really helped with that…no more nosebleeds!  Will buy again!" -Bevey (Aquegel Customer)



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page