Common Allergy Symptoms and How to Get Relief

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 nose².

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 during allergy season, or relieving other symptoms that may be causing irritation in your nose and throat.

Itchy, Watery, or Puffy 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 seasonal allergies experience eye allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes.

If they already feel irritated, you can help soothe your eyes 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 or puffy 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 of allergies are a reaction to histamine which is a chemical released by your immune system in response to allergens. To help reduce itchy throat or itchy nose due to allergies, try an antihistamine 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 stuffiness 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

Can allergies cause a sore throat? Sometimes allergies can cause an itchy, sore throat. The membranes in your throat are very sensitive, and they can become irritated by increased levels of histamine in your system when you experience allergy symptoms. This may cause your throat to feel sore or scratchy.

If you experience an itchy or sore throat, try a lozenge to soothe the irritation that is associated with a sore throat from allergies.

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, excess mucus is produced in the nasal passages in an attempt to clear the allergens out and this mucus can drip down the back of your throat causing post-nasal drip.

Cough

Can allergies cause coughing? Although coughing is not a typical symptom of allergies, sometimes the itchy throat from allergies or post-nasal drip can cause a tickle in the throat or a temporary dry cough. If there is persistent coughing or the couch is accompanied by a fever, it is likely from something else like a cold and not allergies. Consult a healthcare provider if you are not sure what is causing your cough.