Hay fever allergies, also known as upper respiratory allergies are rarely associated with hay or cause a fever, nor does a virus cause hay fever allergies. The hay fever, respiratory allergies reaction occurs when a weak immune system mistakenly identifies and attacks a usually harmless substance known as (allergens). Through a process called (sensitization), this harmless airborne allergen is seen as a threat and the immune system begins producing allergy-causing antibodies called immunoglobulin E. These antibodies bind the cells in the body (called mast cells) and cause the release of histamine (a substance that dilates the blood vessels) and other chemicals. Each time these antibodies recognize the same invading allergens; histamine is released into the bloodstream causing irritating hay fever, respiratory allergies symptoms.
There are two main types of hay fever, respiratory allergies: seasonal allergies (spring through fall) and perennial allergies (all-year long). Hay fever allergies are referred to by medical practitioners as (allergic rhinitis) characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. Seasonal allergic rhinitis are more often caused by outdoor allergens (mold spores, pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds) where as perennial allergic rhinitis are allergic reactions to indoor allergens (dust mites, mold spores, and animal dandruff).
Seasonal Allergies - Hay Fever - Respiratory Allergies Triggers Include:
* Tree Pollen (common in the spring late April and May)
* Grass & Weed Pollen (common in late spring and summer May to mid July)
* Ragweed Pollen (common in the fall late August to the first frost)
* Juniper & Acacia’s Pollen (common to start in early December)
Year-Round Allergies - Hay Fever - Respiratory Allergies Triggers Include:
* Dust Mites
* Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds
* Dander (dried animal dander and saliva) from pets such as cats, dogs, and birds
Airborne dry pollens produced by trees, grasses, and weeds have a detrimental effect on organs such as the throat, the nose, the larynx (voice box), the trachea, and the bronchioles. To ones amazement, large and waxy type pollens from garden flowers rarely cause hay fever - respiratory allergies. The signs and symptoms of hay fever allergies - respiratory allergies usually develop immediately after being exposed to airborne pollens.
Hay Fever Allergies - Respiratory Allergies Symptoms Include:
* Runny Nose & Sinus Congestion
* Sneezing & Coughing
* Swollen & Watery Itching Eyes
* Itching Nose – Ears – Palate
* Respiratory Breathing Difficulties
* Sleeplessness
* Fatigue
* Irritability
Seasonal allergies, hay fever allergies can begin at any age, it is estimated that one out of every six Americans suffers from respiratory allergies. More than 40 % of the 5.8 million children, who have respiratory allergies often times become depressed, miss school, lack concentration and have limits on their physical activities. Respiratory allergies in adults often interfere with day-to-day activities, work performance, attitude, and leisure activities.
