Allergy sufferers have immune systems that mean well, but are a little over-reactive, releasing chemicals like histamine to get rid of normally harmless substances called allergens.

Histamine triggers the body to push the allergens out, using your nose, eyes, and mouth as exit routes, which creates inflammation and general allergy-related symptoms in the process.

Allergens cause allergies, and unfortunately, allergens are everywhere. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander. While there’s no way to completely eliminate allergens, knowing which ones affect you will help you reduce them.

Common allergies tend to fall into two categories: seasonal and year-round. To figure out when you’ll need relief most, check out our seasonal vs. year-round allergy guide.

Most allergies are caused by something in the air we breathe. Common allergy symptoms include:

◾Runny nose.
◾Congestion.
◾Sneezing.
◾Sinus pressure.
◾Itchy throat.
◾Itchy nose.
◾Itchy, watery eyes.

Typically, children under age 3 don’t have allergies. If you have a little one who appears to be experiencing symptoms, talk to your pediatrician.

If one parent has allergies, there's a 50 percent chance their child will have allergies too. If both parents have allergies, that chance jumps to 75 percent.

Step 1:

Determine whether or not your child has an allergy and find the trigger. Sometimes it’s just a cold. One way to rule out allergies is if your child is running a fever. Avoid the triggers as best you can.

Step 2:

If your child still has symptoms, find the right Benadryl product to give your child relief, and carefully read and follow the entire product label before giving the medication. If symptoms persist, talk to your pediatrician.

Step 3:

Talk to your child’s caregivers – teachers, babysitters, coaches, parents of their friends – and bring them up to speed on your child’s allergies and their triggers.