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Allergies

Treating Allergies: What to Know When Taking Decongestants

Decongestants can quickly relieve congestion, but you shouldn’t take them long term.

Marisa Taylor KarasChristina Aungst, PharmD
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD
Updated on June 12, 2026
Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD | June 12, 2026

Nasal decongestants typically work faster than other allergy medications. They can provide great relief from congestion and make breathing easier and more comfortable. However, you shouldn’t take decongestants for a long time. 

References

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2017). Seasonal allergies.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2020). Hay fever.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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Why trust our experts?

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.
Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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