Allergy and hay fever: the causes.

The bad news beforehand: How exactly allergies develop, is not fully researched to date. Hereditary factors, but also environmental influences are considered in research as the most likely causes.

But it is certain that a compromised immune system forms the basis of allergies. For an allergy is always triggered when the immune system classifies actually harmless substances as dangerous. Thus the allergy-triggering substances (= Allergene) in the body in various way illness symptoms can release as for example flow sniffles or irritated eyes.

Inside, however, several reactions of the immune system ensure that the allergen is classified as an enemy and corresponding antibodies (type E immunoglobulins) are formed. In technical language, this process is called sensitization.

With each subsequent contact with the allergen, the IgE (after binding to mast cells) lead to the release of allergenic messengers such as histamines. Since this occurs rather quickly, the ensuing allergic reaction is also called an immediate-type reaction. Itchy eyes, a runny nose, and other symptoms of illness can occur as a result.