Possible Causes of Itchy Eyes and a Runny Nose

Do you have itchy eyes and a runny nose? It is very likely that you may be suffering from some allergic reaction. Symptoms like itchy nose and watery eyes are the reactions of our immune system to the presence of some foreign material in the eyes or nasal cavity. In many cases, even if the particle is non-infectious and harmless, the immune system would react aggressively and cause extreme discomfort to the individual.

The possible causes:

To treat a symptom effectively, it is important to find out what is causing it. Allergy symptoms like itchy nose, reddening and watering of eyes can also be caused by pathogens. Check for signs of infection like coloured mucus and bad smelling breath. If there are none, the cause is most probably an allergic reaction.

The allergens maybe pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mould and other airborne debris. When these particles enter the respiratory system, the immune system prompts the tissues in the lining of the respiratory tracts to release a chemical compound called histamine that makes you sneeze and your eyes to water. If you have an itchy nose it is probably due to the release of histamine. Allergens suspended in the air are the most likely causes of itchy eyes and runny nose.

Once, you have identified the allergens that are causing the symptoms, you should find out how they entered the system. It is possible that the allergens found their way into your body at your home or work place, where you spend most of the time in a day. Check for growth of mould or dust mites in your bedroom and office. Dust mites feed on dust and excrete allergenic compounds that get suspended in the air, and these enter your system when you breathe. It can cause severe allergic reactions like sneezing, wheezing and in some cases even acute asthma.

Pets also can contribute to the amount of allergens at your home. Animal dander is the favourite nourishment for dust mites and it promotes their growth. Your pet's litter box and saliva can also be sources of a number of allergenic proteins. If you are suffering from allergies, it is recommended that you follow our advice about allergic reactions to dogs and cats. See Dealing with Cat Allergy Problems and Got Dog Allergy Problems? for more information.

Treatment:

There are many over-the-counter anti-allergy medications for all ages. You can take antihistamines for instant relief from allergic symptoms. For children suffering from hay fever and other allergic symptoms, Loratadine syrup and Zirtek oral solution can provide instant relief. Nasal sprays are very effective medications that one can take on the go. Beclomethasone nasal spray can treat itchy nose and ease nasal congestion instantly.

Although these medications can give you immediate relief, for a long-lasting solution to allergy problems you need to make some drastic changes in your lifestyle. You should adopt strict measures to curb the growth of allergy causing insects and parasites in your home, and keep your immediate environment neat and dust-free. See Top 10 Things to Do If You Suffer from a Dust Allergy for more information on how to keep your environment free of dust.