It’s finally starting to feel like springtime. The trees are putting out leaves, the grass is green, flowers bloom, and achoo! Why is it that the warm weather always seems to bring itchy eyes and runny noses?

The culprit is plant pollen, and the microscopic particles cause what we call hay fever. Hay fever, or seasonal allergies, cause many different symptoms, but the most common are runny and itchy noses, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Pollen is easily airborne, and windy days make pollen counts in the air even higher. When airborne pollen is  inhaled, it can cause the immune system to go into overload. Reacting as if the pollen is a serious threat to the body, the immune system releases chemicals called histamines into the blood. These chemicals cause the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany seasonal allergies.

Although there is no cure for hay fever, there are many over the counter medications that can help relieve its symptoms. Antihistamines and decongestants are among the most common. Antihistamines help to reduce sneezing and itching by lowering the amount of histamine in the blood. Decongestants, however, constrict the blood vessels in the nasal passageways and work to relieve a stuffed up nose. Some medications contain both antihistamines and decongestants to combine their effects.

Overall, seasonal allergies are caused by the body’s overreaction to inhaled plant pollen. Although it cannot be cured, seasonal allergies can be managed by a long list of over the counter medications.