What do seasonal allergies say about your immune system?

However, if you do have ongoing allergies and they aren’t treated effectively, it could weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to viruses and other germs. That, in turn, could enable your uncontrolled allergies to evolve into a sinus, ear, or upper respiratory infection.

How does hayfever affect the body?

Hay fever symptoms can keep you awake or make it hard to stay asleep, which can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise). Worsening asthma. Hay fever can worsen signs and symptoms of asthma, such as coughing and wheezing. Sinusitis.

Why do humans have seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are the immune system’s response to the millions of pollen grains — plant sperm cells — floating through the air every spring. By incorrectly interpreting pollen as a health threat, your body triggers an inflammatory response, leading to annoying symptoms like itchy eyes or a runny nose.

What is the evolutionary advantage of allergies?

Tackling toxins Accordingly, she proposed that the characteristic immune response seen in allergies evolved as a defence mechanism against natural toxins.

Do seasonal allergies mean weak immune system?

A direct answer to this question is yes – allergies can indeed weaken your immune system. Although having allergies doesn’t cause you to have a cold or flu, your allergy treatment is a factor that makes you vulnerable to other sicknesses.

Can hayfever cause headaches?

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, can cause a headache, possibly due to swelling in the sinus passages. However, headaches are not a typical symptom of hay fever.

Why are humans allergic to pollen?

In people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the harmless pollen as a dangerous intruder. It begins to produce chemicals to fight against the pollen. This is known as an allergic reaction, and the specific type of pollen that causes it is known as an allergen.

What are the symptoms of pollen allergy?

Some of the pollen ends up in your nose and throat. This can trigger a type of allergy called hay fever. Symptoms can include. Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose.

Is hay fever seasonal or perennial?

Seasonal allergies occur in the spring, summer and early fall when trees and weeds bloom and pollen counts are higher. Perennial allergies can happen year-round. They result from irritants that are always around, such as pet dander, cockroaches and dust mites. How common is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? Hay fever is very common.

Why do allergies occur?

A pair of new studies, however, takes a fresh look at why allergies occur and provides the first evidence that those bodily responses may be no accident at all. Rather, they could be the body’s way of protecting us against toxins in the environment.

What’s the difference between hay fever and allergic rhinitis?

What most people don’t know is that hay fever is just one sign of a more basic condition called allergic rhinitis. Whenever a stuffy nose, dark circles under the eyes, or post-nasal drip persists as a chronic (long-term) condition, allergic rhinitis could be the cause.