Seasonal allergies are caused by an excessive reaction of the immune system to allergens such as pollen. People genetically predisposed to this type of reaction are more likely to develop allergies, unlike those who do not have this predisposition.
Pollen is the primary culprit in seasonal allergies, not surprising since it floats everywhere in the air at certain times of the year. When it comes into contact with the nose or eyes, it triggers a reaction in the body, in some more than others. The type of pollen matters a lot: trees, grasses, or weeds like ragweed are particularly irritating. Also, depending on where you live, air pollution and climate clearly influence sensitivity to allergies. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide or fine particles can make your nose even more reactive, or even worsen symptoms. Basically, the more your environment is loaded with pollen and pollution, the more you are likely to struggle with seasonal allergies.
Some people inherit a particular genetic makeup that makes their immune system more sensitive to certain allergens like pollen. If your parents are allergic, you have a higher risk of developing seasonal allergies yourself. Studies show that if one parent is allergic, the likelihood that the child will be allergic rises to nearly 30%, and it even climbs to 60% or more if both parents are affected. Several genes, particularly those related to the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory responses, directly influence your susceptibility to allergies. This partly explains why some people have to sneeze every spring while others get by without any issues.
Our gut microbiota, that is to say, the billions of tiny bacteria living quietly in our intestines, plays a key role in our immunity. A reduced diversity of this microbiota, often linked to excessive hygiene, promotes the development of seasonal allergies. When growing up in an overly sterile environment, the immune system becomes prone to misinterpret harmless substances (like pollen), triggering allergic reactions. Conversely, good exposure to various microbes from childhood stimulates the balance of our friendly intestinal roommates, allowing our system to better distinguish between real enemies and simple natural elements of everyday life.
Being exposed to certain allergens from a young age can help the immune system become more tolerant and less reactive to common substances like pollen or dust mites. For example, growing up in the countryside surrounded by animals or regularly playing outside from a young age is associated with a decreased risk of allergies. In contrast, an overly sanitized environment that limits early contact with common allergens can make the body more sensitive in adulthood: this is sometimes referred to as the hygiene hypothesis. Moderate exposure to dust, certain bacteria, or pets in early childhood helps to "educate" the immune system, which learns to differentiate between what is dangerous and what is not.
When breathing in pollen, some people have their immune system trigger a general alert. In these individuals, immune cells mistake pollen for a dangerous intruder and produce antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These specific antibodies attach to certain cells (mast cells), which then release histamine at the next encounter with pollen. It is this histamine that causes sneezing, itching, runny nose, and irritated eyes. In other individuals, the immune system views these pollens as completely harmless: no special antibodies are produced, no histamine is released, in short, it’s completely calm. The threshold for immune system reactions varies for each person: some react instantly even to tiny amounts of pollen, while others completely ignore it without flinching. Each body has its own immune character.
Weather greatly influences allergic reactions: warm, dry, and windy days promote the dispersion of pollen, thereby increasing allergic symptoms, while rain temporarily reduces the pollen load in the air.
Trees, grasses, and herbaceous plants do not release their pollen at the same time. Therefore, knowing the exact flowering period of allergenic plants in your area can help you better anticipate your exposure and limit your symptoms.
According to several studies, children raised in contact with pets from a young age are statistically less likely to develop seasonal allergies due to an immune system that is accustomed to various allergens.
Some studies have shown that local honey may help slightly reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies by gradually exposing the body to local allergens. However, the effects remain moderate and do not replace conventional medical treatments.
Yes, seasonal allergies can change over the course of one's life. Some people see their symptoms decrease or even disappear with age, while others may retain them long-term or even develop new allergies in adulthood.
Absolutely! Air pollution can exacerbate allergic reactions by making pollen more aggressive for the respiratory tract and weakening the respiratory mucous membranes, thereby increasing sensitivity to allergens.
Natural solutions, such as regular nasal rinses with a saline solution, the use of indoor air filters, or the consumption of certain anti-inflammatory foods like quercetin (found in apples and onions), can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
The severity of symptoms can vary from year to year due to weather conditions (temperature, rain, wind, humidity), the abundance of allergens, or the individual's immune status.
Pollen from trees such as birch or cypress, grasses like lawn grass, or herbaceous plants such as ragweed are generally the most involved in seasonal allergies.
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