Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies, is caused by the immune system overreacting to a normally harmless substance that it deems a threat. When you come into contact with one of these substances, known as an allergen, at McClatchy Park or any other Atlanta tennis courts, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This causes your cells to release histamine, which increases mucus production and triggers swelling.
Below we review what allergens trigger allergic rhinitis.
Pollen
Pollen is one of the biggest triggers for allergic rhinitis. It is the yellow waxy or powdery substance produced by flowers, trees, grass and weeds. While the pollen produced by flowers is too heavy to float in the air and cause allergies in most cases, other types of pollen can travel hundreds of miles in the wind. Pollen counts are highest on dry, windy days and in the mornings.
Different types of pollen peak during different times of year:
- Tree pollen begins late-winter to early spring and peaks in March or April.
- Grass pollen starts late spring and peaks in June.
- Weed pollen begins in the summer and peaks in August or September.
Dust
It’s a common misconception that dust itself causes allergies, when in fact it is the enzymes within the waste and decaying bodies of dust mites that trigger symptoms.
Dust mites are microscopic arachnids, belonging to the same family as spiders, ticks and scorpions. They feed on dead skin cells and thrive in carpets and bedding.
Mold
Mold spores can be found indoors and outdoors in warm, moist environments. Indoors they are often found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements, and outdoors they thrive in piles of leaves, grass and compost. Mold spores float in the air and cause allergy and asthma symptoms when inhaled.
Pet Dander
The proteins found in pet dander, saliva and urine can also cause allergic reactions. Pet hair can also collect other allergens, like pollen, dust and mold, triggering even worse reactions in people with multiple allergies. Pets can be bathed up to once a week to reduce the amount of allergens they carry.
If you’re one of the 8% of U.S. adults with allergic rhinitis, you don’t need to suffer any more. Call the allergy experts at ENT of Georgia today to find relief.
