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FDA approves steroid triamcinalone acetonide (TAA) nasal spray to be sold over-the-counter. Are there any risks?If you have allergies, you know the worst time of year is when the seasons begin to change. Allergies leave your nose runny, your sinuses stuffed and your mood completely miserable.

Did you know that one in five people in the U.S. have allergies or asthma symptoms? In fact, 55 percent of the U.S population tests positive for more than one allergen.

Usually you'd have to get a prescription from your physician in order to get your allergies in control.

Not anymore.

Recently, the FDA voted 10-6 in a favor to allow the steroid triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) to be sold over the counter, allowing allergy sufferers more easily available treatment options.

Nasal steroids are the most common relief for allergy sufferers, giving release to itchy, runny, stuffy and dry nose. Nasal sprays that contain triamcinolone acetonide are the only products used to eliminate ALL these symptoms in one prescription and is considered a first line treatment for allergy sufferers.

Are there any concerns when using nasal spray with triamcinolone acetonide?

One major risk is the use in children. Even though it is approved to be used in children ages two and up, the possible side effect of slow growth rate is a concern. Some other concerns regard those patients who also use asthma medication, prescription steroid medicine, infections or if you've had nasal surgery.

As always, it is very important to discuss any concerns or questions you have before taking or allowing your children to take the medicine.

Executive Associate Dean, Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Janet P. Engle, PhD joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss the recent changes with OTC allergy nasal spray, risks, effectiveness and other ways to reduce your symptoms of allergies.