Nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something that you are allergic to, known as allergens.
Exposure to an allergen triggers the body’s immune system to release histamine, a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. Histamine causes nasal allergy symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, grass, dust, animal dander (old skin that is shedded), cat saliva, and mold.