What happens when you have seasonal allergies?

[Photo: from VCG]

Sneeze, sniff, repeat. If this sounds like you, there's a good chance you have seasonal allergies. So why does something as simple and natural as pollen send our bodies into overdrive? Look no further than your immune system. Pollen is considered to be an allergen, and when an allergen gets inside of your body, the immune system goes into defense mode. This results in the release of a chemical called histamine that causes a handful of unpleasant reactions. Some of the most common symptoms include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes and itching. If your symptoms are mild, the simplest way to treat your allergies is to try an over-the-counter treatment like an antihistamine, decongestant, or nasal corticosteroid.

[The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI] 

(Source: Yahoo)