Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to airborne substances such as pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds that are present at certain times of the year. In people with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies these normally harmless particles as threats and releases chemicals like histamine. This reaction leads to common symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation. These symptoms tend to appear during specific seasons when pollen levels are highest, often in spring, summer, or fall depending on the type of plant.
The severity of seasonal allergies can vary widely from person to person and may be influenced by environmental factors such as weather, wind, and air quality, which affect how much pollen is in the air. Some individuals may only experience mild discomfort, while others have more persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sleep. Because pollen exposure changes throughout the day and across seasons, symptoms may also fluctuate in intensity, often worsening outdoors or in dry, windy conditions when pollen is more easily dispersed.
