The reason for the seasonal damage to the nerve endings of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, bronchi, characterized by an abundant flow of secretions from the nose, lacrimation, and, in some cases, accompanied by a mild form of asthma, is an allergic reaction to pollen from plants. Sometimes this disease is called hay fever, although hay is not a determining factor, and the patient's condition has nothing to do with fever. This is due to the history of the discovery in 1819 of this disease by the English doctor John Bostock, who suggested that it was associated with hay (some of its manifestations occur during the period of haymaking). However, it was later found that the symptoms of fever are caused by very fine pollen (up to 0.04 mm) from plants that are pollinated by the wind. Larger particles can no longer penetrate the respiratory tract.
An allergic reaction caused by the pollen of some seasonal plants, known as hay fever, is most common during the hay season. The tiny, barely noticeable pollen blown by pollinated plants is the main cause. The pollen of plants pollinated by insects is not dangerous, since it is too large to remain in the air. The plants responsible for the occurrence of hay fever include trees: pine, birch, alder, cedar, walnut, hornbeam, horse chestnut, willow, linden. In northern latitudes, birch pollen is considered the most important allergen. Grass pollen (perennial ryegrass, meadow foxtail , timothy grass), as well as weeds (ragweed, plantain, nettle, wormwood, sorrel) are dangerous. However, manifestations of such a disease are also possible during the year.
It is now known what happens when an allergen (in the form of pollen, dust or animal hair) is inhaled by a person with a sensitive immune system. In such individuals, the allergen causes the production of antibodies of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to mast cells and basophils that produce histamine. When an allergy is caused by pollen from several plants, it is called “pollinosis,” and if pollen from grasses, then this disease is known as hay fever, which is one of the most common allergic diseases. It usually manifests itself in childhood or in adolescents, but can occur at any age. This condition is more common in boys than in girls. Adult men and women suffer with the same frequency.
The severity of the disease depends on certain atmospheric conditions and the amount of pollen in the air. The prevalence of catarrhal symptoms in the summer separates it from a common cold, and combining them with shortness of breath does not allow confusing it with asthma, which rarely catches any cold. The risk of hay fever is especially great for people predisposed to certain nervous diseases with a likely lesion in the fourth ventricle of the brain. For people with a curved nasal septum, hay fever is also dangerous. Symptoms completely disappear (useful in most cases!) When removed from an unfavorable zone to the seashore or mountains, and also during a sea voyage, since contact with pollen can be avoided.
Hay fever is most likely to occur with a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema. Symptoms of hay fever can sometimes be prevented by taking some basic precautions. These include wearing sunglasses on the street, which reduces pollen in the eyes. Returning from the street, you need to change clothes and take a shower to remove pollen from the body. Try in a dangerous period when the pollen concentration in the air is high, stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, change clothes more often. During this period, you should not smoke or be near smokers, keep fresh flowers or animals in the house. Cleaning should be wet and regular. The lower part of the nostrils must be lubricated with a small amount of Vaseline, this can prevent pollen from entering the nasal passages. Of course, it is very difficult to completely avoid the problem, but reducing the effects of the substances causing the disease should alleviate the symptoms.