Why do Pollens Cause Seasonal Allergies?

The most common trigger for seasonal allergies is airborne pollens from plants. The tiny, hardly visible pollens of wind-pollinated plants are the major cause. Your body's immune system normally ignores mild substances like pollen, but in more sensitive individuals, their immune system look at the allergens as infectious agents and mounts an attack. The immune system will then produce several chemicals to repel the allergens. One of these chemical is histamine. The process will result to localized inflammation that can lead to irritation and discomfort. Your body’s allergic reaction to pollens will show normally after 5 to 10 minutes after allergen exposure. The symptoms will subside for an hour, then return two to four hours later.

The allergic reaction caused by pollens is also known as "hay fever" because it happens during haying season. It is however possible to have the symptoms for this allergy all throughout the year. In addition to individual sensitivity and geographic differences in local plant populations, the amount of airborne pollens can be a factor as well. Hot, windy days are more likely to have increased airborne pollens than cold, damp days. Always make sure to protect yourself from pollens whenever you are outside to minimize the risk of getting the symptoms during hot, windy days.