I feel so bad for people who are allergic to pollen, as smelling flowers cannot be a pleasure for them but a pain. Hayfever, or Allergic rhinitis, is an inflammation of the nasal airways which is causes by the inhalation of an allergen, often pollen, animal dander, or dust, by an individual who has a senstitized immune system. Allergic rhinitis that is induced by plant pollens is known as “Pollinosis” whilst that which is induced by grass is known as “hayfever”. Strangely, in hayfever, there is no hay nor any fever. The term originated from the fact that when grasses shed their pollens is usually when the hay is being cut.

A predisposition to allergies can be a result of heredity or environmental exposures. It is estimated that approximately one in three individuals have an active allergy at a certain moment. Inflammatory mediators are released when the IgE which is bound to mast cells are stimulated by dust or pollen. The release of inflammatory mediators causes itchy and watery eyes, inflammation of the nasal passages, sneezing, and an increase in mucus production. Make sure the recipient of your flower delivery Cardiff does not have an allergy to flowers first!