The Misery of Seasonal Allergies   Add This Infographic to Your Site Allergy The Misery of Seasonal Allergies: Ah, springtime. The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and millions of Americans are sneezing. And coughing. And sniffling. 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal hay fever each year The allergic reaction: Pollen is the most common culprit for triggering spring-time allergies. Trees, grasses and weeds release fine yellow particles into the air for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. Allergic reactions are caused by inhaling these particles. Sneezing, coughing and watery eyes are the body's knee-jerk reaction to the presence of allergens. What causes an allergic reaction? Plants release pollen, which is then inhaled by people. Next, the immune system kicks in, mistaking the allergen for a foreign invader, such as bacteria or a virus. Antibodies are released, which then attack the allergens and histamines are released Histamines are the chemical that causes allergy symptoms "I hab a sduffy nose." Symptoms of spring allergies include: Runny, stuffy nose Watery, itchy eyes Coughing and sneezing Seasonal allergy treatment: Treat your allergies either over-the-counter or with a prescription. Treatments come in many forms, including pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and injections. Corticosteroids: Flonase, Nasonex, Omnaris, Rhinsocort Aqua Corticosteroids help prevent the release of chemicals that cause allergic reaction symptoms. Antihistamines: Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarinex, Allegra Antihistamines block histamine, a symptom-causing chemical released by the immune system Decongestants: Claritin-D, Sudafed, Afrin, Neo-synephrine Decongestants provide quick, temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion