The Cause of Seasonal Allergies

The Cause of Seasonal Allergies – Facts to Help You Stop Sneezing!

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The cause of seasonal allergies are pollens of specific seasonal plants, airborne chemicals and dust particles in people who are allergic to these substances. Allergy symptoms have a wide range and include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. Allergies run prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere, from late May to the end of June, then pick up again when ragweed season starts in August. It is still possible, however, to suffer from allergies all year long.

Seasonal allergies are referred to by doctors as allergic rhinitis. It is more commonly called ‘hay fever’; a nickname, which originated because allergies were more frequent during the farming haying season. Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen, but identical symptoms can occur because of other allergies to things like dust, mold, mildew, animal dander, and others. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such as chlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can greatly aggravate the condition, especially as we grow older.

Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Approximately 55 % of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens. Seasonal allergies, which some people call ‘hay fever,’ generally occur in the spring and fall when trees, grasses, and weeds bloom and release pollen into the air. Year-round or perennial, allergy symptoms are typically set off by indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and animal dander.

When allergens, (such as pollen or dust), are inhaled by someone with a sensitized immune system, it triggers antibody productions in your body. The antibodies bind to mast cells, which contain histamine. When mast cells are stimulated (by pollen and dust), histamine (and other chemicals) are released by your body. This reaction causes itching, swelling, and excess mucus production. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Extremely sensitive people can experience hives or other rashes. Some disorders may be associated with allergies. These include eczema and asthma, among others.

Pollens that are the cause of seasonal allergies vary from person to person, and region to region. Microscopic pollens of wind pollinated plants are the predominant cause of seasonal allergies. Pollens of insect-pollinated plants however, are too large to remain airborne, and pose no risk. Plants that are commonly associated with seasonal allergies include:

Trees: birch, alder, cedar, hazel, willow, poplar, pine, and olive.

Grasses. (An estimated 90% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.)

Weeds: ragweed, plantain, nettle, mugwort, sorrel dock.

In addition to individual sensitivity and geographic differences in local plant populations, the amount of pollen in the air can be a factor in whether symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days present increased amounts of pollen in the air and help contribute to the cause of seasonal allergies. On the other hand, cool, damp, rainy days pose less problems for people with allergies, as most pollen is washed to the ground.

The time of year that allergic symptoms manifest varies greatly depending on the types of pollen present at the time of the reaction. Since the pollen count is generally highest from mid-spring to early summer, people with frequent allergy symptoms are better able to predict when their symptoms are most likely to start.

Allergies are common. Heredity and environmental exposures may contribute to a predisposition to allergies. It is roughly estimated that one in three people have an active allergy at any given time and at least three in four people develop an allergic reaction at least once in their lives. Another interesting fact is that 64% of children with one sneezing parent were themselves sneezers, but two nonsneezers never produce a sneezer.

The two categories that are the cause of seasonal allergies include:

Seasonal - Occurs only during pollen seasons. Seasonal allergic rhinitis does not usually develop until after 6 years of age.

Perennial - Occurs throughout the year. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly seen in younger children.

When you narrow down the triggers that cause your allergic response, you can take steps to cut down on their severity.

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