I agree; you have to pre-treat with anti-histamines AND use saline, whether in a rinse, spray, or pot. If this approach doesn't work, get tested.
I felt like a giant truck hit me this morning, until I realized I had slept with the windows open and there's a high allergy alert. After letting the Claritin take effect, I am fine.
Singulair didn't work for me, but it generally does help. I was on immunotherapy for years, but my allergies/asthma/chronic bronchitis have improved so much since leaving AZ, I stopped.