For many people, allergy symptoms come on quickly when your immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances called allergens. Your body releases a chemical called histamine, and you might start to notice allergy warning signs such as runny nose and sneezing.
It’s important to first determine if your symptoms are being caused by either allergies or cold. Use our helpful quiz to help understand the differences between the two. If it turns out you are experiencing seasonal allergies, read on to learn more about the five most common allergy symptoms.
NASAL CONGESTION AND A RUNNY OR STUFFY NOSE
A runny nose is one of the most common allergy symptoms in both adults and children. 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. To help reduce symptoms of a stuffy nose and nasal congestion, it’s helpful to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.
SNEEZING
Although often not considered a severe allergy symptom, sneezing can cause friends and coworkers to keep their distance. Your body’s reaction to histamine includes itchiness and swelling inside your nose and throat. When these membranes become irritated, your brain tells your chest to contract and you sneeze to remove the irritants. To reduce sneezing fits, avoid outdoor and indoor allergy triggers or try relieving other symptoms causing irritation in your nose and throat.
ITCHY, WATERY EYES
Many allergens are airborne and come into direct contact with your eyes. That’s why more than 80% of people with allergies experience itchy, watery, or teary eyes. If they already feel irritated, help soothe them by washing your face and then placing a cool, moist washcloth over your eyes.
ITCHY NOSE OR THROAT
The membranes in both your nose and throat are sensitive to allergens you breathe in and can become irritated. Itchy nasal passages or an itchy throat can also be a reaction to too much histamine in your system, or the result of mucus drain from a runny nose. To help reduce this itchiness, try a throat lozenge.
SINUS CONGESTION
If your allergies include upper respiratory symptoms – sneezing and an itchy or runny nose – your sinuses might become swollen and blocked. Many people feel the blockage in their face resulting in sinus pressure, especially under the eyes, and may find it difficult to breathe through their nose. Learn more about decongestants, and try ZYRTEC-D® to help relieve nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, and other allergy symptoms.
ZYRTEC® PROVIDES 24-HOUR ALLERGY SYMPTOM RELIEF
ZYRTEC® provides strong relief day after day for common allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes. Explore our products for both adults and children for powerful allergy symptom relief for you and your family.
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