What Is the Best Allergy Medication for Stuffy Nose, Runny Nose, and Postnasal Drip?

Allergy Symptoms

If you live in Houston, you already know that allergies are almost a year-round problem. Pollen, mold, dust mites, and humidity can cause constant nasal congestion, a runny nose, or that annoying tickle in the back of your throat known as postnasal drip.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, certain allergy medications can make a huge difference in how you breathe and feel day to day.

1️⃣ Antihistamines: The First Line of Defense

Best for: Runny nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes.

Antihistamines block histamine—a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. The newer, non-sedating options won’t make you sleepy and can be taken daily during allergy season.

Top recommendations:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) – Works quickly and lasts 24 hours.

• Loratadine (Claritin®) – Gentle and non-drowsy.

• Fexofenadine (Allegra®) – Great for those needing to avoid drowsiness completely.

💡 Tip: Avoid older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) for daily use—they cause drowsiness and wear off quickly.

2️⃣ Nasal Steroid Sprays: Best for Stuffy Nose and Postnasal Drip

Best for: Nasal congestion, sinus pressure, postnasal drip.

These sprays reduce inflammation inside the nasal passages, helping you breathe easier. They’re safe for long-term use when used correctly.

Top recommendations:

• Fluticasone (Flonase®)

• Triamcinolone (Nasacort®)

• Mometasone (Nasonex®)

💡 Tip from SCENT Houston ENT: Spray backwards and slightly outward (like you're aiming at your ear), not straight up, to target the nasal lining and avoid nosebleeds. These sprays work best after a saline rinse to clear mucus first.

3️⃣ Decongestants: Short-Term Help for Severe Stuffy Noses

Best for: Severe nasal blockage.

Decongestants shrink swollen nasal tissue and open up the airways, but they’re not meant for long-term use.

Top options:

• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) – Effective but may raise blood pressure.

• Oxymetazoline (Afrin®) – Works fast but only use up to 3 days to avoid rebound congestion.

💡 Avoid overuse! Rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) can make your stuffiness worse once you stop the spray.

4️⃣ Nasal Saline Rinses: The Natural Companion

Best for: Clearing mucus, reducing postnasal drip.

Daily saline rinses help flush out allergens, bacteria, and thick mucus—especially before using sprays or medications.

Examples: NeilMed® Sinus Rinse, Neti Pot, or simply a saline mist.

💡 Use distilled or boiled water (cooled before use) to prevent infection.

5️⃣ Combination Therapy: When One Medicine Isn’t Enough

Many patients benefit from combining treatments—for example:

• Fluticasone (Flonase®) + Azelastine (Astelin®) for both inflammation and histamine control.

• Antihistamine tablet + nasal steroid spray for comprehensive allergy relief.

At SCENT Houston, we often personalize treatment plans after in-office allergy testing to pinpoint what’s triggering your symptoms.

6️⃣ When to See an ENT Specialist

If you’re using over-the-counter medications without relief, it’s time to see an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist. Chronic congestion or postnasal drip can signal:

• Chronic sinusitis

• Nasal polyps

• Deviated septum

• Allergic rhinitis that needs immunotherapy

• 
  

Our board-certified ENT physicians at SCENT Houston can perform nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, and tailored treatments to help you breathe clearly again.

🌿 Key Takeaways

Symptom	Best Medication	SCENT Tip
Runny nose	Non-drowsy antihistamine	Take daily during allergy season
Stuffy nose	Nasal steroid spray	Use after saline rinse
Postnasal drip	Steroid + saline rinse combo	Avoid irritants and allergens
Severe congestion	Decongestant (short-term)	Limit Afrin to 3 days

🩺 Expert ENT Allergy Care in Houston

Allergies don’t have to control your life. Whether it’s seasonal congestion or chronic postnasal drip, SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for lasting relief.

📍 Conveniently located in Houston, TX🌐 www.SCENTHouston.com📞 Call (713) 474-9393 to schedule your evaluation