Springis known as allergy season because it is the time of year when pollen levels in the air are very high; however, some people are sensitive to allergens as early as January and February—well before the typical spring allergy season begins.

Seasonal allergies are characterized byan overreaction of the immune system to common substances that are harmless to most people; in people with allergies, the reaction is disproportionate
to the trigger. Seasonal allergies always consist of two phases:

1.  SENSITIZATION PHASE: during which the individual comes into contact with the allergen (pollen, dust, etc.) and the immune system reacts by producing specific antibodies (IgE).
2.  REACTION PHASE: Begins upon the second exposure to the same substance. The antigen (the substance) binds to IgE, triggering an allergic reaction characterized by the release
   of pro-inflammatory chemical mediators, including histamine, which cause vasodilation and increased activity of the secretory glands.

During the second phase, chemical mediators released in the bronchi cause the muscles to contract, leading to a narrowing of the bronchial lumen, the secretion of very thick mucus, and difficulty exhaling. In some cases, full-blown“asthma attacks”occur when exhalation is difficult and cannot take place naturally.
Allergic reactions are primarily triggered by grasses found in fields or meadows, pellitory in urban areas, alder, birch, poplar, ragweed, oak, hazel,and cypress.
These, however, tend to cause sensitization mainly during the winter months (January–March).

The typical symptoms of allergies affect the mucousmembranes of the respiratory tract and theeyes; more specifically, they can be classified as follows:

•  nasal symptoms: swelling of the nasal mucous membranes, sneezing, and allergic rhinitis (
  hay fever)
•  Eye symptoms: redness, itching, and allergic conjunctivitis (which is almost always a
  comorbid condition of allergic rhinitis)
• lower respiratory tract symptoms: irritation, bronchoconstriction,
  asthma attacks

To help relieve annoying and frequent itchiness and redness in the eyes, as well as conjunctivitis, you can use the Euphrasia Mother Tincture, which, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and anti-allergic properties, is particularly effective in soothing eye discomfort.