When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine, which is a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. This chemical can cause allergic rhinitis and its symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
In addition to tree pollen, other common allergens include:
- grass pollen
- dust mites
- animal dander, which is old skin
- cat saliva
the five Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
sneezing
runny nose and stuffy nose
an itchy nose
coughing
itchy eyes and watery eyes
Some people experience symptoms only rarely. This likely occurs when you’re exposed to allergens in large quantities. Other people experience symptoms all year long. Talk to your doctor about possible allergies if your symptoms last for more than a few weeks and don’t seem to be improving.