What Happens in a Nasal Allergy Attack?

Nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, occur when your immune system overreacts to an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. When you come into contact with an allergen, your body produces histamine and other chemicals that cause your nasal passages to become inflamed and produce mucus. This inflammation and mucus production can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

* Sneezing

* Runny nose

* Itchy, watery eyes

* Congestion

* Difficulty breathing

* Headaches

* Fatigue

In some cases, nasal allergies can also trigger asthma attacks. If you have nasal allergies and asthma, it is important to see an allergist to develop a treatment plan that can help you manage both conditions.

Here is a more detailed look at what happens during a nasal allergy attack:

1. Allergen exposure. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies bind to cells in your nasal passages called mast cells.

2. Mast cell degranulation. When mast cells come into contact with an allergen, they release a number of chemicals, including histamine. Histamine causes your nasal passages to become inflamed and produce mucus.

3. Inflammation and mucus production. The inflammation and mucus production caused by histamine can lead to a number of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, congestion, difficulty breathing, headaches, and fatigue.

Nasal allergy attacks can vary in severity from mild to severe. If you have severe nasal allergies, it is important to see an allergist to discuss treatment options.