"Spring has barely sprung but in most of the country spring allergy season  triggered by the first stirrings of tree pollen  is well under way. You can tell by the sniffles and sneezes of the afflicted. But you can also tell by the ads TV spots selling remedies for drippy congested noses itchy eyes and other symptoms are in heavy rotation. New this year ads for Flonase a nasal steroid spray from GlaxoSmithKline that just became available over the counter. It joins Sanofis Nasacort a spray in the same class that went from prescription to overthecounter status a year ago. And they both sit on store shelves next to antihistamines such as Claritin Allegra and Zyrtec that were prescription drugs just a few years ago. Older overthecounter antihistamines such as Benadryl and decongestants such as Sudafed and Afrin remain available as well. Dont expect the ads to help you sort out what might work best for you. Heres what some top allergists say you need to know about these nonprescription options. Believe some of the hype about the newlyaccessible steroid nasal sprays. These drugs work by fighting inflammation and they are in the single most effective drug class for treating nasal allergies according to the American College of Allergy Asthma  Immunology httpacaai.orgallergiestypeshayfeverrhinitis. Other expert groups have made similar statements. These are firstline treatments that can prevent allergy symptoms not just treat them says Jackie EghrariSabet http an allergist in Gaithersburg Md. But that does not mean they work for everyone says James Sublett http a Louisville allergist and president of the allergy group. People with mild to moderate symptoms have the best chance of full relief he says. Possible side effects include nasal irritation and nose bleeds. Labels caution that some children using the sprays may experience slower growth so a doctor should be consulted if a child needs them for more than two months. Expect to pay more. When prescription drugs are first available over the counter most consumers end up paying more because their insurers no longer cover the cost. The nonprescription steroid nasal sprays are selling for about  to  for a onemonth supply at the typical twosquirts per nostril adult starting dose. Worth knowing so far insurers have continued to pay for similar prescription sprays EghrariSabet says. The various sprays have never been studied head to head so its impossible to say whether they vary in effectiveness she says. Theres a right way to use these sprays.  They should be used daily during your vulnerable season or seasons ideally starting before symptoms do EghrariSabet says. The idea is to turn an army of inflammatory cells around before they recruit more soldiers she says. Its also important to administer the sprays correctly so that they end up inside your nasal passages not just your nose where they might cause irritation Sublett says. Packages contain instructions and Sublett has an added tip bend over and look at your toes while holding the bottle up and squirting. Antihistamines still have a role.  These drugs target histamine. Thats a chemical your body releases causing sneezing a runny nose and itchy eyes when you come in contact with allergytriggering substances. Antihistamines work faster than the steroid sprays which can take a week or so to reach full effectiveness. They also can be cheaper because they are available in storebrand versions. For example Walmart sells Equate loratadine tablets the same active ingredient as Claritin for about  for  hour doses Antihistamines make perfect sense for someone who suffers a few sneezy days each season and doesnt want to use a spray for weeks or months EghrariSabet says. Look for one that does not make you sleepy Sublett says. Its a myth he adds that older sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl are extra effective against nasal allergies. Be careful with decongestants. Decongestants such as Sudafed work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nose. They can raise blood pressure and cause jitters and some people are more susceptible than others. Some decongestant sprays such as Afrin  unlike the steroid nasal sprays  can be used for just few days at a time because they otherwise cause rebound symptoms. So use these medications sparingly Sublett says. Keep your medical providers in the loop. Overthecounter treatments should not take the place of professional care  especially if you have never been formally diagnosed with allergies if you have additional medical problems or if your symptoms persist or worsen EghrariSabet and Sublett say. An allergist can test you to find out whats causing your symptoms and offer additional treatments. Those include allergy shots http and for a few patients who qualify newer immunotherapy pills https that desensitize people to grass and ragweed pollens. Also important to remember While medications can be helpful the first rule of allergy control is to avoid the substances that make you sniffle and sneeze. If you are allergic to mold spores or to pollen from trees grasses or ragweed that means knowing when levels are high by checking pollen.com http or the National Allergy Bureau http and then taking steps such as these recommended by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and  Immunology http  Keep windows closed at home and in your car.  Use air conditioning if possible.  Try to stay indoors and avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves.  If you need to be outside for a long period wear a pollen mask.  After time outside take a shower shampoo your hair and change clothes"