Causes of allergy symptoms at different times of the year
Common allergy causes
The things a child with seasonal allergies is allergic to are called allergens. Seasonal allergens (such as pollen) are often airborne and inhaled.
In seasonal allergy sufferers, the immune system inappropriately senses allergens, and it fights back by releasing histamine into the body. Too much histamine causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itchy, watery, red eyes.
What exactly is pollen?
Pollen consists of tiny, powdery grains that are necessary for plants to reproduce. The average particle of pollen is smaller than the width of a hair. Many trees, grasses, and weeds contain the type of pollen that triggers allergy symptoms.
What exactly is ragweed?
Ragweed is a plant that can grow almost anywhere. On average, it produces one billion grains of pollen per season that can travel hundreds of miles in the wind—affecting child allergy sufferers everywhere. Ragweed is most common in the fall.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies usually occur during specific times of year.
| Spring |
Summer |
Late summer / fall |
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