Did you know that nearly 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year? This staggering statistic underscores a widespread yet often misunderstood health issue that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly during specific times of the year. One of the most challenging seasons for allergy sufferers is spring, when pollen counts skyrocket, turning the great outdoors into a battleground for those sensitive to these natural irritants. But what exactly causes these allergies, and how can we effectively cope with them? The Science of Allergies At the heart of spring allergies are substances called allergens, which are typically harmless proteins found in pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. When these allergens enter the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as threats, triggering a cascade of reactions. This immune response involves the release of histamines, chemicals that lead to the unpleasant symptoms associated with allergies, suc
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