What Are Common Allergy Symptoms?
When you think of allergies, maybe you think of tree pollen. Or perhaps pet dander. Or nasal congestion. The fact is, allergic rhinitis, the technical name for hay fever, can be triggered when you breathe something you're allergic to--be it pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold. And just because the allergens happen to be breathed through your nose, doesn't mean your nose is the only place you'll experience allergy symptoms.¹
Read below to learn about the different types of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, some common triggers, and most importantly, how you can fight them.
NOSE-RELATED ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
When you think of allergies, maybe you think of tree pollen. Or perhaps pet dander. Or nasal congestion. The fact is, allergic rhinitis, the technical name for hay fever, can be triggered when you breathe something you're allergic to--be it pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold. And just because the allergens happen to be breathed through your nose, doesn't mean your nose is the only place you'll experience allergy symptoms.¹
NASAL CONGESTION:
When you breathe in an allergen, your immune system responds by releasing chemicals—also called “allergic substances”—that create inflammation in your nose. This inflammation opens the blood vessels in the lining of your nose and causes swelling and congestion.² Congestion from allergies is often one of the first symptoms to appear once exposed to an allergen.¹
RUNNY NOSE:
It’s normal for your nose to produce a thin, clear liquid called mucus. But when you’re exposed to an allergen and your nose becomes irritated from inflammation, mucus production increases and results in a runny nose.¹
SNEEZING:
This sudden, forceful burst of air from your nose and mouth is another common allergy symptom. Also called “sternutation,” sneezing is your body’s way of removing an irritant from your nose. While repeated sneezing can be annoying, it’s hardly ever a sign of a serious health problem.⁴,⁵
ITCHY NOSE:
An itch on any part of your body can be annoying, but the itchy nose that accompanies other nasal allergy symptoms can be especially distracting—and difficult to scratch!⁶
EYE-RELATED ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
ITCHY & WATERY EYES:
Even though they're called nasal allergies, itchy eyes from allergies can be a major source of discomfort when allergy season hits.⁸ This is because the same immune system reaction that creates inflammation in your nose can also make the tiny blood vessels in your eyes leak, leaving you with eyes that are watery as well as itchy.⁷
WHAT CAUSES OUR ALLERGY SYMPTOMS?
While the start of spring is pretty much the same every year (March 19th, 20th, or 21st), the start of spring allergy season is something else entirely. In some parts of the country, spring allergy season can start as early as February, and last well into summer!
ANIMAL ALLERGENS
Minute airborne particles produced by pets like dogs or cats are called “pet dander.”
INDOOR ALLERGENS
Mold and particles from dust mites are with us all year long.
OUTDOOR ALLERGENS
These include the various types of pollen—from grass, weeds, and trees. Trees pollinate at certain times of the year, especially in the spring.
HOW TO TREAT ALLERGY SYMPTOMS TO GET RELIEF
If you're ready to relieve your allergy symptoms, you've come to the right place. Unlike most allergy pills, once-daily FLONASE Nasal Sprays treat nasal congestion,* one of the most bothersome symptoms,⁸ plus sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Learn how FLONASE can help you enjoy more complete allergy relief.*
*vs single-ingredient antihistamines that do not treat nasal congestion
Sources:
1. ACAAI. Allergy Rhinitis. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis Accessed May 3, 2019.
2. Medline Plus. Allergic rhinitis. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000813.htm Accessed May 3, 2019.
3. Marshfield Clinic Health System. Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis Frequently Asked Questions.https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/specialties/allergies/allergies-allergic-and-non-allergic-rhinitis-frequently-asked-questions Accessed May 3, 2019
4. KidsHealth. What Makes Me Sneeze? http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/sneeze.html Accessed May 3, 2019.
5. Medline Plus. Sneezing. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003060.htm Accessed May 3, 2019.
6. Medline Plus. Itching. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003217.htm Accessed May 3, 2019.
7. ACAAI. Eye Allergy. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/eye-allergies Accessed May 3, 2019.
8. Craig, TJ, et al. Congestion and Sleep Impairment in Allergic Rhinitis. 10.1007/s11882-010-0091-5. Accessed May 3, 2019.
Find the Best Flonase Product For You
Leading a life not limited by allergies starts with FLONASE. Each product offers you the chance to help tackle your allergies and help manage your symptoms.
