How do Antihistamines work?
Two types of antihistamines are used for allergies. They are known as first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.
Allergies giving you a runny nose and itchy eyes? Here’s help.
What causes a runny nose?
A runny nose — also known as rhinorrhoea — is excess drainage produced by the nose and surrounding mucous membranes; it can be thin and clear or thick mucus. Nasal congestion is one of the most frequent symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, allergies.1
When a cold virus or an allergen, such as pollen or dust, first enters the body, it irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses (air-filled pockets around the face), and the nose starts to make a lot of clear mucus. This mucus traps the cold virus or allergen and helps flush it out of the nose and sinuses.
Runny noses from hayfever
You may experience a runny nose if you are allergic to certain substances and are exposed by touching, inhaling or ingesting them. Typical allergy triggers include dust mites, pollen, animal fur, fungal spores, grass and mould. Hayfever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a common type of allergic reaction. Hayfever usually occurs in spring and on windy days due to the excess pollen in the air.
How do I treat a runny nose?
1. Antihistamines
If your runny nose is allergy-related, an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Telfast® may help to ease the symptoms. Other simple relief strategies can include gently blowing your nose, using a saline nasal spray or steam inhalation to open the airways.1
2. Intranasal Corticosteroids
These medications work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, thereby decreasing mucus production and nasal congestion. The 2025 study showed that even patients receiving only fluticasone propionate experienced significant improvement in their nasal symptoms compared to their baseline measurements.3
3. Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation provides a simple, drug-free approach to managing nasal congestion and runny nose. Research conducted in Thailand demonstrated that steam inhalation at 42-44°C led to significant improvement in nasal obstruction and other symptoms including runny nose in patients with allergic rhinitis.4
4. Humidifiers
Using a humidifier can effectively alleviate a runny nose by adding necessary moisture to the air. The increased humidity helps thin nasal mucus, making it easier to drain and providing relief from cold symptoms including congestion.
5. Hydration
Maintaining adequate hydration helps thin mucus secretions, making them easier to clear from nasal passages. Staying well-hydrated supports the body's natural defense mechanisms by ensuring mucus can effectively trap and remove airborne irritants and pathogens.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
What’s causing my red, swollen and itchy eyes?
Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mould can trigger a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis in some people, which causes various eye symptoms, including:1
- Redness in both eyes
- Itching and burning of the eyes and surrounding tissues
- Watery discharge often accompanied by short‐term discomfort with bright sunlight
- Swollen eyelids
The best way to prevent an episode of allergic conjunctivitis from occurring is to avoid the substances that trigger your allergies.
If you are affected, there are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms.2 These include:
- Remove your contact lenses if you wear them.
- Use ‘artificial tears’, a type of eye drop that is available over‐the‐counter. Do not use the same bottle of drops in the other eye if it isn’t affected.
- Try placing cold compresses over your eyes.
- Washing pillowcases, linen and towels in detergent and hot water will help to reduce allergens as well.
While itchiness does suggest an allergic cause, similar symptoms may occur with other conditions like conjunctivitis or even the presence of a foreign body in the eye. Consult your GP or eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Learn about which Telfast product may be appropriate for you.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
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Related articles
- Pathophysiology of nasal congestion [Internet]. International Journal of General Medicine. 2021 [cited June 2025]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866558/
- Runny Nose: Symptoms, Causes, Relief [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021 [cited June 2025]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17660-runny-nose
- Chahar, O.S., Raina, S., Rizwan, A., Nayyar, S.S., Tripathi, S., Bhatnagar, A., Singh, O., Bisht, N. and Dixit, M. (2025) ‘Efficacy of nasal saline irrigation in conjunction with intranasal steroids in allergic rhinitis’, European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40257579/
- Vathanophas, V., Pattamakajonpong, P., Assanasen, P. and Suwanwech, T. (2019) ‘The effect of steam inhalation on nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis’, Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology, 37(2), pp. 67–73. Available at: https://apjai-journal.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/AP-090818-0393.pdf