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How do symptoms develop?

How do symptoms develop
Average rating: 3 out of 5 star rating

Symptoms of allergy are due to the immune system reacting to an allergen (such as mite droppings or dander from a pet). Cells in the lining of the nose and eye release histamine and other chemicals when they come into contact with the allergen. This can cause:

  • inflammation in the nose (rhinitis). Symptoms include sneezing, a blocked or congested nose, a watery discharge ('runny nose'), and an itchy nose.
  • inflammation of the front of the eye (conjunctivitis). Symptoms include red, watering and itchy eyes.

If you already have asthma, the allergy can sometimes make the symptoms of asthma worse.

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