In hayfever, one of the main symptoms is inflammation of the lining of the nose. There are various products that treat this symptom:

Corticosteroid nasal sprays €“ examples include beclometasone dipropionate (e.g. Beconase), fluticasone propionate (e.g. Pirinase Hayfever Nasal Spray) and triamcinolone acetonide (e.g. Nasacort). These are often the first choice of treatment for people who experience regular allergy symptoms over a long period of time. They are effective against all allergy symptoms. For best results, the sufferer should start to use this medication a couple of weeks before the allergy season starts. They should then be used daily.

Decongestants €“ such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline relieve nasal congestion by shrinking the swollen lining of the nose. They should only be used by adults and for short periods of time, otherwise symptoms can reappear when their use is stopped. Examples include Vicks Sinex and Otrivine Nasal Spray.

Saline nasal sprays €“ these are a drug-free way of relieving nasal congestion. Products containing natural sea water (e.g. Stérimar Nasal Hygiene) work by washing away allergens and rebalancing nasal functions. Some have additional ingredients such as manganese, calcium and purified water (e.g. Stérimar Stop & Protect Allergy Response) to deactivate allergens in the nose and form a barrier to prevent allergens from irritating the lining of the nose.