An allergic reaction is caused by your immune system reacting to a foreign substance that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people.

Substances that cause allergic reactions are
called allergens. Allergy symptoms are
caused by your immune system’s response
to a particular type of allergen.

Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or
allergic rhinitis, affect around 20% of adults,
and 40% of children.

Common symptoms include sneezing,
runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, and
congestion.

The biggest allergy trigger is pollen, tiny
grains released into the air by plants.

Cat and dog dander allergies are also
common, and can be treated just like
seasonal allergies.

• Antihistamines are one of the most
  common and effective treatments for
  allergy symptoms. They block your
  immune system from fully reacting to
  the allergen.
  • Non-drowsy antihistamines include
    Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
  • Benadryl is a strong antihistamine
    that also causes drowsiness.
• If you are having troubles with nasal or
  sinus congestion, there are several
  Decongestant products that are available.
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is
    available behind the pharmacy
    counter. It shrinks blood vessels that
    are responsible for congestion.
• Combination Products that include
  Sudafed and antihistamines are
  available behind the counter. The
  decongestant will clear up your
  sinuses, while the antihistamine
  takes care of your other symptoms.
• Decongestant Sprays such as Afrin or
  Phenylephrine act directly on swollen
  blood vessels in the nose. However,
  these should only be used for 3-5 days,
  or a common side effect called reboundcongestion
  can occur.
• Corticosteroids such as Nasacort and
  Flonase are now available over the
  counter. These sprays are very effective
  at preventing allergy symptoms. But
  they can take up to a week to start
  working fully.
• Nasal wetting agents such as saline
  sprays or Neti pots can irrigate the
  nose, and help remove mucous.