The Science and Symptoms of Allergies

In the United States, between 20 and 40 million people have seasonal rhinitis, or allergies.^1,2 This includes men, women, and adolescents. And about 19 million people have nasal symptoms because of environmental triggers.

The Science of Allergies

Allergic rhinitis, the medical name for hay fever, is caused by your body's reaction to tiny substances in the air called allergens. Allergens are generally harmless, and we breathe them in and out all the time.

If you have allergies, however, your body believes these allergens are attacking your system. Your body fights back by producing chemicals called histamines, which cause your nasal passages to become irritated or inflamed.

Allergic rhinitis rarely causes serious health problems, but it can make life very uncomfortable for those who have it.

The Symptoms of Allergies

Some of the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are congestion, itchy and/or runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. These symptoms are your body's natural response to the seasonal allergens or environmental irritants you inhaled.

Furthermore, you may find that your rhinitis occurs during specific seasons, or continues throughout the year. How long your allergy symptoms continue may depend on which type of rhinitis you're diagnosed with.

To get effective relief, you should continue taking the medication your doctor recommends for as long as you're exposed to the cause of your reaction. Be sure to ask your doctor if ASTELIN may be the right treatment for you.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergy Treatment Options