Continuous sneezing as soon as you wake up in the morning, severe itching in the nose and eyes, watery eyes, and nasal congestion—these are the main symptoms of nasal allergies that bother most people today. Scientifically, it is called Allergic Rhinitis. This condition occurs when our body’s immune system overreacts to certain factors in the environment. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind nasal allergies:
Excessive production of histamine: When an allergen enters our respiratory tract, the body’s immune cells, called mast cells, are stimulated. Mistaking it for a pathogen, they release a large amount of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and a chemical called Histamine to fight it. This histamine dilates the blood vessels in the nose, causing swelling in the cells, severe runny nose, and sneezing.
Dust Mites & Household Dust: One of the most important causes of nasal allergies is dust mites, tiny arachnids found in household dust that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They mainly grow in the dust in our beds, pillows, sofas, and carpets. Inhaling these causes a constant allergy in the nasal cells.
Pollen and Climate Change: Many people develop allergies by inhaling pollen from grasses, weeds, and various plants that are blown by the wind. This is also called ‘Hay Fever’. It is easier for airborne allergens to enter the body when the humidity in the air increases and in cold weather.
Animal Dander & Mold Spores: The hair, saliva, and skin cells (dander) of domestic animals such as cats and dogs are strong allergens. Inhaling the microscopic spores (spores) produced by molds (fungus/mold) in damp areas of the walls of the house and in the bathroom also causes allergies.
Heredity and Genetics / Atopy: Heredity plays a major role in the development of allergic rhinitis. If parents or other close family members have allergies, asthma, or skin diseases such as eczema, the risk of nasal allergies in the next generation of children is very high due to genetic reasons.