Common Allergy Symptoms and How to Get Relief

Allergy symptoms are the result of a lot of different reactions in your body – caused by your immune system responding to a substance it wrongly deems dangerous, such as pollen or pet dander¹.

Although allergic reactions can be bothersome, many of them are mild and do not spread to othe parts of the body. Learn all about common allergy symptoms and how to get relief today.

ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

RUNNY OR STUFFY NOSE

SNEEZING

WATERY EYES

SINUS CONGESTION

SORE THROAT

POST-NASAL DRIP

HEADACHES

COUGH

ITCHY NOSE OR THROAT

Nasal Congestion, and a Runny or Stuffy Nose

A runny nose isn’t the most pleasant thing to have, but it is one of the most common signs of allergies in both adults and children. Stuffy noses are usually caused by swollen membranes inside the nose, which leak out a thin liquid². To help reduce symptoms – and nasal congestion in general – it’s useful to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.

Sneezing

Sneezing is an extremely common, though not severe, allergy symptom. As membranes in your nasal passage react to allergic substances, they become irritated and ticklish – causing you to sneeze³. To reduce sneezing fits, try avoiding outdoor and indoor allergy triggers, or relieving other symptoms that may be causing irritation in your nose and throat.

Itchy, Watery Eyes

When you realize that most allergens are airborne and come into direct contact with your face, it’s no surprise that so many people with allergies experience itchy or watery eyes.

If they already feel irritated, you can help soothe them by washing your face and placing a cool, moist washcloth over your eyes.

Some people may suffer from allergic conjunctivitis⁴ too. This means that when the eyes are irritated, the thin layer at the front of the eye can become inflamed and red, giving it a swollen appearance.

Itchy Nose or Throat

Membranes in your nose and throat can be sensitive to allergens you breathe in, and may therefore become irritated⁵. These symptoms can also be a reaction to having too much histamine in your system. To help reduce this itchiness, try a throat lozenge or an anthistamine such as cetirizine.

Sinus Congestion

If your allergies cause you to sneeze a lot, or you have a runny nose, you might also be prone to blockages in your sinuses⁶. This can lead to you feeling this congestion in your face through sinus pressure – especially under the eyes. You may also find it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Learn more about decongestants, and try ZYRTEC-D® – located behind the pharmacy counter – to help relieve nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and other allergy symptoms.

Sore Throat

The membranes in your throat are very sensitive, and they can become irritated by increased levels of histamine in your system. This may cause your throat to feel sore or scratchy. Some allergy sufferers might have difficulty swallowing or feel that their throat is dry⁷.

If this happens to you, try a soothing lozenge to help reduce the symptoms and pain associated with a sore throat.

Post-Nasal Drip

Allergies and post-nasal drip often go hand in hand⁸. Post-nasal drip is a build-up of mucus that can clog the sinuses and throat, and might make you feel that you have to cough or clear your throat.

When allergens enter your nose, the membrane swells and presses fluid out of small blood vessels in your nasal passages – typically in the form of a thin, clear liquid. This can cause nasal congestion and post-nasal drip, as the excess mucus leaks steadily down your throat.

Cough

An allergic reaction can involve a persistent, dry cough⁹. As substances enter your airways, they can cause swelling or irritation in the air passage⁹, with the body’s natural reaction to cough in an effort to clear these substances from your airways.

A dry, persistent allergy cough can also exacerbate other breathing problems and health-related issues, such as asthma¹⁰.

Headaches

Allergy headaches usually feel like pain behind the eyes or in the sinuses¹⁰, and are typically caused by blockages and build-up of mucus in your sinuses.

How to Tell if You Have Allergies – or Something Else

Allergy symptoms can be very similar to those of other conditions, so it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between allergies and colds, for example.

If you have any of the following symptoms, it may be more likely you have a cold or similar illness than a common allergic reaction¹¹:

Fever
Aches and pains
Chills
Vomiting
Slow onset of symptoms (i.e. you have felt ill for several days)

See what your symptoms might mean by taking our cold vs allergy quiz.

How to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms

Allergy relief options can be different depending on the allergen. If you’re allergic to dogs or cats, you can try to reduce contact with them for starters. Pollen and dust can be difficult to avoid, but can be dealt with using home remedies and a few simple lifestyle adjustments.

Many upper respiratory allergies can be relieved with the use of over the counter medicine like Zyrtec’s range of allergy relief products. However, if you don't experience any relief, you should seek help from a healthcare professional.

ZYRTEC® provides strong relief day after day for common allergy symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes. Explore our products for both adults and children to find powerful, 24 hour symptom relief for you and your family.

FAQs

When is allergy season?

Allergies can occur at any time of year, depending on what triggers your reaction. However, allergies to pollen, grass or weeds are more common during the spring and summer months.

Are you born with allergies?

No. Instead, your body develops an allergic response to a particular substance when it comes into contact with it. Not all allergies develop in childhood either. Sometimes you may develop a reaction later in life, even if you have encountered the trigger before.

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