What causes Airborne Allergies, Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis?
With every breath we take, we breathe in millions of microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, plant spores, viruses, bacteria and even pollutants in the form of chemicals in the air. Many of these particles are filtered and removed by the nose and respiratory system, while others enter the body. If the immune system is strong and healthy, it can ward off infection against pollutants, viruses and other harmful airborne substances that may enter the body. Normally the immune system will ignore harmless airborne particles entering the body such as pollen, house dust, animal dander, etc. In some people, however, the immune system misinterprets these harmless particles and identifies them as being dangerous to the system. This triggers a release of a substance called histamine, as well as other inflammatory compounds in the body, which cause a condition called ‘allergic rhinitis’ and hayfever. People who develop allergic rhinitis in warm weather, wind or at spring time are generally alle
