Spring is recognized as the allergy season because it is the time when the airborne concentration of pollen is very high; however, some individuals are found to be sensitive to allergens as early as January-February, that is, clearly in advance of the classic spring seasonal allergy.

Seasonal allergy is ahyper-reactivity of the immune system to common substances that are harmless to most people; in allergic individuals, the reaction is out of proportion
with respect to the triggering cause. Seasonal allergy is always characterized by two phases:

1.  SENSITIZATION PHASE: in which the subject comes in contact with the substance-allergen (pollen, dust...) and the immune system reacts by producing specific antibodies (IgE).
2.  REACTION PHASE: begins on the second exposure to the same substance. The antigen (the substance) binds to IgE and from here the allergic reaction starts, characterized by the release of
   of pro-inflammatory chemical mediators, including histamine, which cause vasodilation and increased activity of secretory glands.

During the second phase, chemical mediators triggered in the bronchi cause contraction of the muscles, with reduction of the bronchial lumen, secretion of very thick mucus, and a difficulty in exhalation. In some cases, true "asthmatic crises" occur when exhalation is difficult and fails to occur naturally.
Mostly causing allergic reactions are the Grasses in fields or meadows, Parietaria in cities, Alder, Birch, Poplar, Ambrosia, Oak, Hazel and Cypress
on the other hand, tend to sensitize more in the winter months (January-March).

The typical symptoms of allergies occur in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and ocular mucous membranes and more specifically are distinguished into:

•  nasal symptoms: swelling of nasal mucous membranes, sneezing, and allergic rhinitis (fever
  hay)
•  ocular symptoms: redness, itching and allergic conjunctivitis (almost constantly an
  accompanying phenomenon of allergic rhinitis)
• Lower respiratory tract symptoms: irritation, bronchoconstriction, attacks
  asthma

To help counteract annoying and frequent itching and redness of the eyes, as well as conjunctivitis, you can use the Mother Tincture of Eyebright, which, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and anti-allergic abilities, is particularly effective in soothing eye disorders.