Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system where the body's defenses react to substances such as pollen, food and more. Learn about common allergy triggers and how you can avoid an allergy attack.

An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.

Azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate (Dymista) is a nasal spray that treats allergy-related nasal inflammation. Side effects, drug interactions, and use during pregnancy should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Budesonide nasal inhaler-spray (Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua) is a medication prescribed for the management of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the treatment and prevention of nasal polyps. Common side effects of budesonide include

• Nasal bleeding
• Cough
• Sore Throat

Other side effects include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Upper respiratory infections

Drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to using this drug.

Chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip symptoms include:

• An itchy, runny nose
•  Sneezing
• Itchy ears, eyes, and throat

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) usually is caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependent upon the type of rhinitis condition.

Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are both second-generation antihistamines. Antihistamies are anti-allergy drugs, and loratadine and cetirizine both are used against hay fever, pollen-induced asthma, and hives. Learn about the side effects, dosage, and pregnancy safety information for Claritin and Zyrtec.

Drug interactions occur frequently. Get facts about the types of drug interactions, what substances or other things that may interact with drugs such as OTC drug and prescription drugs, vitamins, food(s) (grapefruit), and laboratory tests. Find out how to protect yourself from potential drug interactions.

Important information about your drugs should be reviewed prior to taking any prescription drug. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precauctions, dosage, what the drug is used for, what to do if you miss a dose, how the drug is to be stored, and generic vs. brand names.

Flunisolide nasal spray (Aerospan [Nasalide, Aerobid, Aerobid HFA are discontinued]) is a corticosteroid in the form of an oral-metered dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma in adults and children; or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Side effects, dosing, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler) is an inhalant drug used to treat

• asthma,
• chronic bronchitis, and
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Side effects include:

• Cough
• Sinus infection
• Pneumonia
• Dizziness
• Skin reactions
• Taste changes
• Musculoskeletal pain

Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.

Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including:

• Irritants like
  • cigarette and secondhand smoke
  • pollution
  • air fresheners
• Medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
• Medical conditions like
  • the common cold
  • GERD
  • lung cancer
  • heart disease

Natural and home remedies that help cure and soothe a cough are:

Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough are:

• Stay hydrated
• Gargle saltwater
• Use cough drops or lozenges
• Use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm
• Don't smoke

Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include

• cough suppressants and expectorants, and
• anti-reflux drugs.

Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include

• narcotic medications,
• antibiotics,
• inhaled steroids, and
• anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example,
  • omeprazole (Prilosec),
  • rabeprazole (Aciphex), and
  • pantoprazole (Protonix).

Nasal allergy medications are used to relieve itching, sneezing, and nasal swelling associated with allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids are different types of nasal allergy medications. Possible side effects of these medications include dryness, stuffiness, burning, bleeding, nervousness, and palpitations.

Learn how a combination of medication, preventing allergens, and allergy relief products can reduce allergy symptoms and help you feel better.

Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds & allergies. Learn how nasal irrigation can help unclog sinuses and congestion.

Learn 10 signs your allergies are out of control. See these surprising allergy symptoms and find out how to get relief for sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and more.

Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms are headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.

Mucus is a normal substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or mucus that is yellow, green, brown, or bloody may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat are present. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.