Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to something harmless, like pollen, dust mites, mould or pet dander. Your body releases histamine, which causes sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and sometimes hives. This page brings together our allergy guides and treatments.
Common symptoms
- Sneezing, runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, watery, red eyes
- Itchy nose, throat or roof of the mouth
- Hives: raised, itchy welts on the skin
Our allergy guides
- Allergies or a cold? How to tell the difference
- Hives (urticaria): causes, relief and when to worry
- Zyrtec vs Claritin vs Allegra: which allergy medicine is right for you?
- Allergy medicine for kids: what’s safe and how much to give
- Sore throat remedies: what helps fast and when to see a doctor
Treatment options
Once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamines are the usual first choice. They work best taken every day through the season, before symptoms peak.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine 10 mg): fast-acting, may cause mild drowsiness
- Claritin (loratadine 10 mg): least likely to cause drowsiness
- Alavert (loratadine 10 mg): same ingredient as Claritin
- Allegra (fexofenadine): non-drowsy, take with water
Prevention
- Check the pollen forecast and keep windows closed on high days.
- Shower and change clothes after time outdoors.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom if pet dander is a trigger.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for wheezing or breathlessness, symptoms that antihistamines don’t control, or to arrange allergy testing. Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.
Information on this page is general and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.