Causes

Understand what triggers hay fever and why certain people are affected. Our articles examine pollen types, environmental factors, genetics and unexpected connections.

Anxiety Disorders and Hay Fever Genetics

Research shows mothers with depression or anxiety are significantly more likely to pass hay fever and other allergies to their children.

Genetically Modified Foods and Hay Fever

Japanese researchers are developing genetically modified rice that could help hay fever sufferers by gradually reducing their allergic reactions to cedar.

Grass Pollen

Grass pollen triggers hay fever symptoms in early summer through an immune reaction that releases histamine and other chemicals in your body.

Hay Fever and Seasonal Changes

Hay fever gets worse in spring and summer when pollen peaks, but you can manage symptoms by timing outdoor activities wisely.

Hay Fever Myths

Common myths about hay fever prevent people from getting proper treatment and managing their symptoms effectively.

Overview: Hay Fever Causes

Hay fever happens when your immune system overreacts to pollen, triggering histamine release that causes sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Parkinson's Disease and Hay Fever Link

Research shows people with hay fever have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease due to brain inflammation.

Pets and Hay Fever

Your pet could be triggering your hay fever symptoms, even if you've ruled out pollen and other common allergens.

Pollution and Hayfever

Air pollution can make hay fever symptoms worse, even though pollen counts have actually dropped in recent years.

Skin Inflammation and Hay Fever

Skin inflammation may trigger hay fever by priming your immune system to overreact to harmless allergens like pollen.

Tree Pollen

If your hay fever starts early in the year, tree pollen from birch, alder, hazel and horse chestnut could be the culprit.