Ah, the joys of spring! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the flowers are in full bloom. But for millions of people, springtime also means the return of seasonal allergies. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose can put a real damper on this otherwise beautiful season. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter remedies that can help ease allergy symptoms.

One of the most popular types of nonprescription allergy medications are oral antihistamines. These medications can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Some of the most common oral antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert).

Another type of nonprescription allergy medication are corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications can improve nasal symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. Examples of corticosteroid nasal sprays include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour). If you're considering long-term use of corticosteroid nasal sprays, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider first.

Cromolyn sodium nasal spray is another option that can ease allergy symptoms by blocking the release of immune system agents that cause symptoms. This treatment works best if it's started before exposure to allergens. Although it's considered a very safe treatment, it usually needs to be used 4 to 6 times daily.

Lastly, oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. Some allergy medications even combine an antihistamine with a decongestant, such as cetirizine-pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D 12 Hour), fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D 12 Hour Allergy and Congestion), and loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D). If you're considering using a decongestant to treat your allergy symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider first.

While these over-the-counter remedies can provide temporary relief, it's important to remember that they may not be enough to completely eliminate your allergy symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and medical history. So don't let seasonal allergies put a damper on your springtime fun - try one of these over-the-counter remedies today!