I've been using a nasal steroid spray year 'round for almost 7 years with no significant issues (although I'm on Rhinocort, not Nasacort) - definitely try the Zyrtec, it seems to work much better than Claritin.

I'd stay away from Zyrtec....or maybe just keep it for really bad days. There are way too many side effects from Zyrtec and I'm quite surprised it went OTC. One problem I had with Zyrtec was that I built up a tolerancy so if I took it every day for 2-3 weeks it stopped working, then had to take a break for about a week, and then start it again.

You should be fine using nasal steroids. I have gone back to Rhinocort because with the symptoms I have it's better to just take a localized medicine. My dad has taken Pulmicort (which is the asthma equivalent to Rhinocort) for 30 years and he's fine as could be......no side effects.

Good luck!