Achoo! Sound familiar? You’re sitting outside enjoying a beautiful day when suddenly your nose starts running, your eyes become itchy, and you can’t stop sneezing. For millions of people, these symptoms are a regular part of life.
Allergies affect people of all ages and can develop at any time. Some individuals have struggled with allergies since childhood, while others may move to a new area and unexpectedly begin experiencing symptoms. And then there are the lucky few who never seem to develop allergies at all. So why do allergies happen, and what can be done to manage them? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance as a threat. In response, the body launches an immune reaction that triggers allergy symptoms. The substance causing the reaction is called an allergen. Interestingly, an allergen that affects one person may not cause any symptoms in someone else. When exposed to an allergen, the body releases chemicals such as histamine, leading to symptoms that can range from mild irritation to severe reactions.
Common Types of Allergies
Allergies come in many forms and can be triggered by a variety of substances. Common examples include seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, which are caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Other common allergies include pet allergies from animal dander, saliva, or urine; food allergies involving foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, and wheat; mold allergies caused by mold spores; dust mite allergies; latex allergies; and drug allergies involving medications such as certain antibiotics or pain relievers.
Seasonal vs. Year-Round Allergies
Many people experience seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Symptoms often worsen during specific times of the year when pollen levels are high. Others experience perennial allergies, meaning symptoms occur throughout the year due to ongoing exposure to triggers such as pet dander, dust mites, or mold.
Recognizing Allergy Symptoms
Common allergy symptoms may include sneezing, a runny or congested nose, an itchy nose or throat, watery or red eyes, postnasal drip, coughing, and fatigue caused by disrupted sleep. While many allergic reactions are mild, some can become serious.
When Allergies Become an Emergency
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention, especially difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe hives, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. These may be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
Identifying the trigger is often the first step toward effective treatment. If allergies are suspected, an allergist can perform specialized testing to determine the cause. After reviewing a patient’s medical history and symptoms, the allergist may recommend testing such as a skin prick test, blood test, or patch test.
A skin prick test involves applying small amounts of potential allergens to the skin using tiny pricks. If a raised bump develops, an allergy may be present. A blood test involves collecting a blood sample and analyzing it for allergy-related antibodies. This option may be useful when skin testing is not appropriate. A patch test uses adhesive patches containing potential allergens that are placed on the skin and monitored over several days to identify delayed allergic reactions.
Managing Allergy Symptoms
The most effective way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid known triggers whenever possible. However, this isn’t always realistic, especially with environmental allergens like pollen. Fortunately, several treatment options can help relieve symptoms.
Oral antihistamines help block histamine, reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Common examples include cetirizine, sold as Zyrtec®; loratadine, sold as Claritin®; and fexofenadine, sold as Allegra®. Nasal corticosteroid sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are considered one of the most effective treatments for allergic rhinitis. Examples include fluticasone, sold as Flonase®, and triamcinolone, sold as Nasacort®.
Decongestants may provide short-term relief of nasal congestion but should be used cautiously and according to healthcare provider recommendations. Allergy eye drops can provide targeted relief for itchy, watery eyes. For patients with persistent or severe allergies, allergy immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or tablets, may help reduce sensitivity over time and provide long-term symptom improvement.
The Pharmacist’s Role in Allergy Care
Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and can play an important role in helping patients manage allergies. They can help patients select the most appropriate over-the-counter allergy medication, identify potential medication interactions, understand proper use of nasal sprays and eye drops, recognize when symptoms require medical evaluation, and determine when referral to an allergist may be beneficial.
Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter products.
Tips for Reducing Allergen Exposure
In addition to medications, several strategies may help minimize symptoms. Patients can monitor local pollen forecasts during allergy seasons, keep windows closed when pollen counts are high, shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors, use high-efficiency air filters when possible, wash bedding regularly in hot water, vacuum frequently using a HEPA-filter vacuum, and limit exposure to known triggers.
Although allergies can be frustrating, understanding what causes them and knowing how to manage symptoms can make a significant difference in quality of life. Whether symptoms are occasional or persistent, effective treatment options are available. By working with healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and allergists, patients can identify their triggers, develop a personalized treatment plan, and breathe a little easier throughout the year.
Original Author: Midrara Kashmari
Editorial Update (June 2026): Elizabeth Rodriguez
RxPharmacist Team
References:
- Types of Allergies. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/.
- Allergy Treatments | AAFA.org. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/.
- Allergic Conditions. ACAAI Public Website. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/.
- Types of Allergies | Mount Sinai – New York. Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/care/allergy-immunology/allergy-types.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Allergy medications: Know your options. Mayo Clinic. Published 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403.