Causes and triggers

Noting when rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms occur is important in the search for possible allergy triggers. An allergy first forms after a first contact with the allergen. Antibodies to the allergen build up in the blood, and then “dock” with mast cells. Upon renewed contact between antibodies and allergen, various “messenger chemicals” are sent out from the mast cells, primarily the chemical histamine.

Allergens that cause allergic rhinitis are substances from our everyday environment, such as pollen, which the immune system wrongly identifies as a threat. The immune system then tries to attack the allergen, resulting in allergic symptoms.

There are two forms of allergic rhinitis: intermittent (for instance, seasonal complaints) and persistent (symptoms occur year-round.)

Our pollen calendar gives an overview of the pollen problem over the course of a year.

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