Why Don't The Nose Sprays And Antihistamines Work?

Posted on Tue, 11 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 Answered on

Fri, 1 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I have asked this question several times over 15 years and seen 4 or 5 ENT specialists. I do not have heartburn or reflux albeit I am allergic to trees, grasses, weeds. For part of many years, I get a scratchy swollen like feeling in the nasal pharynx and tonsil area always on the right side. I have used every nose spray known to man and antihistamines. It's usually better in the am after a nights rest and possibly from laying down using a humidifier by bedside at night. My ENT has scoped me in the office with a tube through the nose about every 3-4 months many times and assures me there is no significant problem; I guess he's right or after 15 years I'd be dead. What could this possibly be that no one seems to figure out and how can I therefore correct? If its post nasal drip why don't the nose sprays and antihistamines work? Could it possibly be something else...remember its at least 15 years on and off...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hii. Welcome to the health care services. It seems that you are having alle

Detailed Answer:
Hii. Welcome to the health care services. It seems that you are having allergic pharyngitis along with allergic rhinitus. Its inherent allergic inflammation of the sinus and pharyngeal mucosa. I know you have tried antihistaminics and spray. But still it's not resolving. Allergy doesn't get eradicated fully but it persist life long and it reappear in between depending on the immunity of the body.If you have done scopy repeatedly and found to be negative then non need to worry. Take warm saline and steam inhalation. Take saline nasal spray solspre and fluticasone nasal spray which will reduce the inflammation and will clear the mucus. Do yoga and nasal breathing exercises. Take less tea, coffee. Drink more water. Do physical exercise and try to increase the immunity. Relax and lead a stress free life. Avoid smoking and alcohol. The allergy will fade away slowly and will never disappear. So nothing need to worry. Please review if you have any queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj