Hay Fever – Causes

Hay fever occurs when your immune system attacks allergens, which are most often harmless substances, such as pollen, certain foods, or house dust mites.

The exact cause of what results in such an abnormal immune response is unknown. However, there are a number of factors which can increase the risk of developing hay fever and these are:

• Suffering from asthma or any other allergic condition, such as eczema
• A family history of hay fever
• Exposure to tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust particles in early childhood.

Symptoms also may be triggered by common irritants such as:

• Cigarette smoke
• Strong odors, such as perfume, or hair spray and fumes
• Cosmetics
• Laundry detergents
• Cleaning solutions, pool chlorine, car exhaust and other air pollutants (i.e., ozone).