Causes
An allergic reaction occurs when your body's immune system overreacts to an allergen. When you breathe in an allergen, cells in your nasal passages make a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes your nose to feel itchy and also causes swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.
Site of Histamine Production
![Nasal passage](/files/ebsco/images/si1696.jpg)
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing allergic rhinitis. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Family members with allergic rhinitis, eczema , or asthma
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Food allergies
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.