Keep humidity low by using your air conditioner. Allergens can include pollen, dust mites, food, medications and insect venoms. Allergic diseases include allergic rhinitis, asthma, drug and food allergies, and insect allergy. Itching of the nose, sneezing, nasal drainage, runny nose, post-nasal drip, and nasal stuffiness are typical symptoms. Common allergens which may cause anaphylaxis include insect stings, medications and foods in sensitive patients.
Antihistamines act to block the allergic effects caused by the release of histamine.
They decrease the itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but may or may not help congestion. The underlying process is one of inflammation of the airways, with widespread narrowing of the bronchial tubes and increased mucous production. Asthma can occur at any age, varies in severity, and often runs in families. Bronchodilators relieve symptoms, but they cannot reduce or prevent the inflammation that causes the symptoms. This contraction of the bronchial smooth muscle narrows the airway, thus interfering with normal lung function.