The reason for being allergic to pollen is that the immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as a harmful substance, even though it is harmless. When pollen, which contains water-soluble proteins, comes into contact with the mucous membranes, the immune system produces IgE antibodies against it. These antibodies bind to mast cells, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals, which cause allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and swelling of the mucous membranes. This reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to pollen, which it perceives as a threat, leading to inflammation and allergy symptoms commonly known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Genetic factors and environmental exposures can influence the likelihood of developing this allergy.
