What causes seasonal allergic rhinitis?
Your immune system produces antibodies to protect against bacteria, viruses and other invading substances. In an allergic reaction, these antibodies overreact to pollen, mold spores and other harmless allergens. This leads to a release of histamine, a chemical that causes swelling of mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses and eyes. Hay fever tends to run in families, and sometimes improves in adulthood. It is often linked to allergens like dust, animal dander and mold. Seasonal allergies often go hand-in-hand with asthma and eczema. Symptoms • Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing • Itchy, watery or red eyes • Itchy or sore throat, enlarged tonsils • Dry cough One in five people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma. Many others have eczema. Allergic rhinitis can make wheezing and skin rashes worse. Tips for avoiding allergies Since pollen is so widespread, it’s hard to avoid. However, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen. • Don’t go out early in the m
Hay fever is caused when your immune system overreacts to pollen and mold. These are harmless substances (allergens) that are in abundance during the spring and fall. Symptoms occur when there is a massive release of histamine, a chemical that causes swelling of mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses and eyes. Hay fever tends to run in families, and sometimes improves in adulthood. Seasonal allergies often go hand-in-hand with asthma and eczema. Symptoms • Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing • Itchy, watery or red eyes • Itchy or sore throat, enlarged tonsils • Dry cough One in five people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma. Many others have eczema. Allergic rhinitis can make wheezing and skin rashes worse. Tips for avoiding allergies Since pollen is so widespread, it’s hard to avoid. Still, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen. • Keep your home pollen-free. Leave your shoes outside and change your clothes when you come home. • Listen to the polle
