Most respiratory allergies are just major annoyances that can make you feel lousy. However, sometimes they can lead to bacterial infections in your sinuses, ears, or lungs, which may require antibiotics. In people with asthma, allergies can lead to serious symptoms. Allergies can also aggravate asthma symptoms.

Respiratory allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to a trigger that causes inflammation and/or swelling of tissues in the nose, eyes, ears, sinuses, throat, larynx ("voice box"), and airways. Common triggers are pollens, dust, cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and animal dander.

Signs and Symptoms

• Runny, itchy nose

• Sneezing

• Itchy, swollen, burning, and/or watery eyes

• A dry cough or one that produces minimal phlegm

• Ear congestion or popping

• Sinus pressure or stuffiness

• Headache

• Hoarseness

• Mucous drainage from the back of the nose down the back of the throat (post-nasal drainage)

• Throat tickle

• Itching of the soft tissue at the upper, back part of your mouth

How to Manage Allergies

• Reduce exposure to triggers.

• Keep your home, especially your bedroom, as dust-free as possible.

• Bathe pets frequently; keep them off your bed and upholstered furniture.

• Close windows in your home and car.

• Limit time outdoors when pollen, molds, or other triggers are high.

• An air purifier may help, but they receive mixed reviews.

• Try prefilled sterile saline irrigation.

• For sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drainage, and itchy, watery eyes, take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine.

Over the Counter Medications for Seasonal Allergies

• Brand names listed as examples do not imply better quality over other brands. Generic equivalents may also exist.

• Use only as directed on the package, unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do otherwise.

• OTCs may interact with other medications or be potentially harmful if you have certain medical conditions. Talk to your pharmacist about options that are right for you.

Antihistamine:
Cetirizine (example: Zyrtec®)
Fexofenadine (example: Allegra®)
Loratadine (example: Claritin®)
Sedating - Diphenhydramine (example: Benadryl®)

Eye Drops:
Antihistamine (example: Zaditor®)
Anithistamine/Decongestant (example: Naphcon A®)

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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