Are you someone who suffers from allergies and you’re on a mission for relief? As a fellow allergy sufferer, I know how frustrating those symptoms can be. That’s why I’m here to share with you all the details about a nasal inhaler for allergies.
Most of us know about common nasal and oral decongestants such as Allegra and similar medicine. However, nasal sticks have become the latest trend for many reasons. They can offer many benefits and allergy relief happens to be one of them. But, how do they work? And, which nasal sticks are best?
Keep reading for all your questions answered about a nasal sticks for allergies!
How Nasal Sticks Help Relieve Allergies
We sometimes hear that a nasal sticks for allergies can actually worsen the symptoms if used in excess. Depending on the ingredients, this can be true. However, an all-natural nasal stick can work wonders for relieving allergy symptoms.
Let’s take a look at some ways that nasal sticks that contain essential oils can help with allergies.
- Eucalyptus oil provides a cooling sensation that can provide relief and alleviate nasal congestion. It can also loosen up mucus that causes a nagging cough.
- According to this study, inhaling lavender can reduce allergic inflammation to provide a remedy for nasal and chest congestion.
- Peppermint is also known to help with inflammation caused by allergies and clear up sinuses. Mint oils can also relieve throat irritation.
Alongside essential oils, many nasal sticks contain menthol. Menthol is a natural ingredient derived from plants. It isn’t known to cause any harmful effects. It can also help with allergy symptoms including sore throat, inflammation, and upper airway congestion.
Inhalation works almost instantly to provide relief. This is because the beneficial compounds can quickly pass through the olfactory system and to the brain.
Some nasal sticks can cause unwanted side effects.
When you’re looking at products for allergy relief, some allergy medicines may not be as helpful as others. Nasal decongestants such as Propylhexedrine are often found in these products. While they can work to help symptoms to an extent, they can also be harmful. According to the FDA, decongestants like this can cause anxiety, paranoia, high blood pressure, chest pain, and other side effects.
Antihistamines in some nasal sticks or sprays can also cause unwanted side effects. After long-term use, some can experience an inability to concentrate and drowsiness.
Finally, you may want to avoid products with steroids or corticosteroids. These components can also cause negative reactions if used in excess. These include itchy throat, nose irritation, nosebleeds, and bad taste on the tongue.
Note: To avoid adverse side effects, it’s best to use an all-natural product. These are safe to use long-term and regularly, even for most pregnant women.
Types of Allergies Nasal Sticks Can Be Used For
Nasal sticks can help address any allergies that cause symptoms such as congestion, coughing, runny nose, sore or scratchy throat, and blocked sinuses. They can also help with reactions such as hives and headaches. If you experience reactions to any of the following allergens, a nasal stick could be helpful:
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Animals
- Insect stings
Interested in other benefits of nasal sticks? Read about The Top 9 Benefits of Nasal Inhalers & Which Ones to Avoid.
Difference Between Nasal Stick and Nasal Spray
A major difference between a nasal stick and nasal spray is the convenience. Since nasal sticks come in a very small tube that’s simply sniffed during use, it’s very portable and easy to use anywhere. Meanwhile, over the counter nasal decongestant sprays (like Afrin, Rhinocort, and Nasacort) aren’t usually as compact and travel-friendly.
Nasal sticks and nasal sprays also often have different ingredients. Typically, nasal sprays have decongestants such as Oxymetazoline and Propylhexedrine. These can have negative side effects as mentioned above. They also often contain Phenylcarbinol and Benzalkonium Chloride. These are preservatives that can damage nasal tissues. It’s often recommended not to use nasal sprays long-term because of their effects after excess use.
Nasal sticks and sprays are also used differently. While nasal sticks have vapors that are inhaled, nasal sprays are a liquid that you squirt into your nose. When using a nasal spray, you have to be very mindful of how you’re pumping it. If used incorrectly, it can run down your throat or drip from your nose. Meanwhile, a nasal stick isn’t a liquid so there’s no mess involved.
Is One More Effective Than The Other in Soothing Allergies?
While both a nasal spray and nasal stick for allergies can be effective, research shows that the preservatives we mentioned in nasal sprays can lead to unwanted side effects. They can also actually worsen symptoms of an allergic reaction if used too much.
While most nasal sticks contain essential oils, many nasal sprays don’t. As we discussed, essential oils can provide great benefits for a variety of allergy symptoms including blocked sinuses, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, and decongestion.
Best Nasal Sticks for Allergies
Now that we know what ingredients to look for and which ones we may want to avoid, let’s take a look at the best nasal sticks for allergies.
BoomBoom
BoomBoom Nasal Sticks are an all-natural product. They contain only essential oils, menthol, and natural flavors. They come in a variety of scents including mint, lavender, and tropical. They even offer the option of purchasing a variety pack to try out multiple fragrances. BoomBoom Nasal sticks not only help relieve allergy symptoms but they’re also used as a mood and focus booster.
Here’s what users have said about using a BoomBoom Nasal Sticks for allergies:
Plant Therapy
Plant Therapy has an aromatherapy nasal inhaler that’s made with a coarse pink Himalayan salt and an essential oil blend. While the ingredients are meant to relieve a stuffy nose, they may not work to relieve other allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and sore throat.
MOXE
MOXE Breathe Nasal Stick is a natural product that also contains essential oils and Himalayan sea salt. While it works to help relieve your stuffy nose, it doesn’t contain menthol which can improve other symptoms caused by allergens.
FUM
FUM is a natural inhaler in a wooden tube. Their respiratory inhaler is meant to improve congestion and open airways for easier breathing. Its core is made with fibers that are infused with essential oils. However, users must replace the cores every few days.
How to Use a Nasal Stick for Allergies
Along with effectively helping you deal with an allergic reaction, one of the best things about nasal sticks is how easy they are to use. All you have to do is remove the cap, place the tube right under your nostril, and inhale. You can close your other nostril with your finger while inhaling, then switch sides.
If you’re using an all-natural product, it’s safe to use it as many times a day as you need to and on a regular basis. However, everyone does have varying levels of sinus sensitivity so it’s best to start with using it a few times per day and increase it as needed.
It’s important to close your nasal stick properly to prevent it from drying out. They work best if used within a couple of weeks of opening and have a shelf life of a couple of years if unopened.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of trying out allergy medications and not experiencing the relief you’re hoping for, a nasal stick might be the answer you’re looking for. It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in your nasal inhaler. A nasal inhaler for allergies is often said to be convenient, easy to use and travel with, and safe to use long-term. It’s best to use a product that’s made with all-natural ingredients to ensure that you don’t experience negative side effects.
To learn more, read about Essential Oil Inhalers: Uses, Benefits, & Best Products of 2023.