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Nasal sprays can be prescribed to treat any number of symptoms related to colds or allergies. They are also effective in treating symptoms of sinusitis. Some of the symptoms these medications alleviate include:

• Runny nose or post-nasal drip
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Nasal itchiness

Underlying conditions that may cause these symptoms include:

• Allergic rhinitis. Commonly called hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen such as pollen, mold, dust mites or animal dander.
  
  

  

• Rhinosinusitis. More commonly known as sinusitis, it is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the paranasal sinuses, four pairs of cavities that connect the nose to the throat. Allergic sinusitis is an allergy-triggered inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.
  
  

  

• Cold. This is the result of an infection in the upper respiratory tract caused by a variety of viruses or bacteria.