What Causes Hay Fever

Hay fever is a known term that is caused by dust, spores and animal dander. In the early days, people associated harvesting of fields of hay to developing sneezing, itchy eyes and chronic fevers. Thus, the term ‘hay fever’ was born.

However, in this age of modern medicine, this belief is said to be a misnomer. Experts say that a fever that is caused by certain allergens should not be hastily associated with a mere contact with field hay.

Today, hay fever is more popularly known as allergic rhinitis. Medical authorities have introduced the term “allergic rhinitis” explaining that this should be the more appropriate term than “hay fever.” The word “rhinitis” refers to an irritation of the nose that is most commonly connected to sneezing, nasal congestion, itching of the eyes and nose, runny nose, and excess production of tears. Together, these symptoms bring about a usually very high fever.

When the body’s immune system is attached by these allergens, that’s when hay fever occurs. Within the body’s immune system, there is a productive substance called the ‘immunoglobuline E’ or IgE. Allergic rhinitis begins when the antibodies (allergens) begin to hurt mast cells. The group of cells are sometimes unprotected by IgE because they are so many that the IgE supply can’t cover them all up against all of the antibodies.

When mast cells are infected, they secrete allergic substances toward tissues and other body cells. One of these substances is histamine. Histamine is a very strong and irritating substance that cause itching and swelling to tissues and leaking of fluid from cells.

Sometimes, long term, these substances, especially histamine, can trigger some more serious disorders. These disorders include loss of voice, tightening of the throat, and asthma. Sufferers of hay fever can also endure muscle spasms and lung contraction.

Hay Fever has been proven to be specifically caused by proteins. People that come in contact with plants can be infected with proteins, which are called pollens. These are the known male sex cells that are found in weeds, trees and grasses. Since pollen is only about 4 microns in diameter, it is practically invisible.

Even though pollen is so small, and practically invisible, it is considered a very potent source of allergies. These pollens will rest on nasal passages and affect the entire respiratory tract. This, in turn, causes severe allergic reactions.

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