Spring and summer are beautiful seasons with blooming flowers and warm weather. However, for millions of people, these seasons also bring about seasonal allergies that can make life unbearable.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can range from mild to severe, making it hard for people to enjoy the outdoors or even complete daily activities. While there are known triggers for seasonal allergies, such as pollen and mold, there are other unexplained causes that scientists are just beginning to understand.

Here are some of the unexplained causes of seasonal allergies and what you can do to relieve symptoms.

Gut Microbiome and Allergies

The gut microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that help with digestion and other essential roles in the body’s digestive tract. It is also a highly diverse ecosystem that can impact overall health and immune function.

Recent studies have found that the gut microbiome can play a role in the development and severity of allergies. Research has shown that imbalance or diversity in the gut microbiome can trigger the production of IgE antibodies and enhance the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

This can promote a hyperresponse of the immune system to allergens and worsen allergy symptoms.

Pollution and Allergies

Air pollution is a significant issue in many urban areas, affecting millions of people around the world. Recent studies have also found a link between air pollution and allergies.

Air pollution can irritate the respiratory system, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen allergy symptoms. Research has also shown that airborne particles, such as diesel exhaust and carbon black, can interact with pollen grains, making them more potent and allergenic.

While it is hard to avoid air pollution, reducing exposure to it can help reduce allergy symptoms.

Climate Change and Allergies

Climate change is a significant global challenge with far-reaching impacts on various aspects of life. Recent studies have also shown that climate change can worsen allergy symptoms.

Higher temperatures can increase plant growth and produce more pollen, leading to more severe allergy symptoms. Changes in precipitation patterns can also affect the timing and amount of pollen distribution, affecting the severity and duration of allergy season.

Climate change can also impact the distribution of allergenic plants, leading to more significant exposure to allergens.

Stress and Allergies

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, but when it becomes chronic, it can have severe consequences on overall health. Recent studies have found a link between stress and the severity of allergy symptoms.

Stress can affect the immune system, causing a shift towards pro-inflammatory cytokine production that can worsen allergy symptoms. Stress can also affect the digestive system, leading to gut microbiota imbalance and affect overall immune system function. Managing stress levels can help reduce allergy symptoms.

Diet and Allergies

The food we eat plays a crucial role in overall health, including immune system function. Recent studies have found that diet can also impact allergy symptoms.

Research has shown that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve immune function, reducing allergy symptoms. A diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation and gut microbiota imbalance, worsening allergy symptoms. It is essential to maintain a healthy diet to help reduce allergy symptoms.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies can be a challenge to manage, but understanding the root causes can help in developing effective strategies to reduce symptoms.

While pollen and mold are the primary triggers of seasonal allergies, other unexplained causes such as gut microbiome, pollution, climate change, stress, and diet can worsen allergy symptoms. By addressing these unexplained causes, people with allergies can reduce the severity of their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.