The Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are triggered by airborne pollens from various seasonal plants, and in some cases spores from molds. These allergens can enter through the eyes, throat, or nose, and start an allergic reaction. Our immune system does not normally respond to mild substances like pollens and mold.

For sensitive individuals, their body's defense mechanism treats foreign, yet harmless substances as an “invader” or an infectious agent and initiates an attack. The eventual process prompts the body to unleash a number of chemicals such as histamine and other compounds that can result to localized inflammation. This condition is known as allergic reaction. The symptoms of allergic reaction begin 5 to 10 minutes after the body attacks the allergen, then subside within the next hour, and may return 2 to 4 hours later.

Individuals with seasonal allergy can first detect the symptom after feeling itchiness around the eyes or nose. The eyes may also become watery. Sneezing and a runny nose follow the initial signs and so are the rest of the unique symptoms for each individual. These symptoms may interfere with sleep, which in turn, can result to irritability. Some individuals may also suffer from allergic conjunctivitis or the swelling of the inner eyelids.