Why Airborne Allergies Hit Harder for Some People Than Others

Short Answer:

Some people react more severely to airborne allergens because of a mix of genetic predisposition, environmental exposure, and lifestyle factors. The immune system’s sensitivity, early-life microbial exposure, pollution, and even stress or hormones can all influence how hard allergies hit.

Two people step outside on a spring morning: one enjoys the sunshine, while the other starts sneezing, rubbing itchy eyes, and gasping for antihistamines.

It doesn’t feel fair, but the difference isn’t random. It’s a combination of genes, environment, and immune “settings” that make some bodies more reactive than others.

Understanding this helps explain why some people suffer more — and how to reduce your risk or manage symptoms more effectively.

Genetics: The Immune System’s “Settings”

At their core, allergies happen when the immune system misfires, treating harmless particles like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander as threats.

Some of us are simply born more likely to do this.

• If one parent has allergies, a child’s risk is up to 40%

• If both parents do, the risk rises to around 70%

  
  

That’s because some immune systems are wired to produce IgE antibodies more readily. These antibodies trigger histamine release - the cause of classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, or even worsening asthma.

Put simply, some people’s immune alarms are set more sensitively from birth.

Environment: Early Exposures and Lifelong Triggers

Genetics may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.

• Early life exposure matters: Children who grow up around pets, nature, and diverse microbes often develop stronger immune balance. In contrast, limited exposure or frequent viral infections can make the immune system “hyper-alert.”

• Where you live matters: Pollution binds to pollen, making particles stickier and more potent. Urban residents often have worse symptoms than rural dwellers, even at the same pollen counts.

• Climate change is extending allergy seasons: Tree pollen now starts as early as January, grass pollen peaks through May–June, and weed pollen can linger into October. Warmer, longer seasons mean prolonged exposure — and worse symptoms for many.

  
  

This helps explain why moving to a different city (or even a new neighbourhood) can unexpectedly make your allergies flare up.

Barrier Defences: When the Body’s “Filters” Are Weakened

Your nose, lungs, and skin act like protective filters. But if they’re already inflamed or damaged, allergens slip through more easily.

• Eczema or dry skin lets allergens penetrate and worsen reactions

• Nasal inflammation from infections or pollution lowers tolerance to pollen

• Asthma means inflamed airways — so airborne allergens hit much harder

  
  

Supporting your barriers really helps:

Saline nasal sprays, fragrance-free moisturisers, humidifiers, and wraparound sunglasses can all reduce the “dose” of allergens your body faces before medication is even needed.

The “Allergy Bucket”: Why Small Exposures Add Up

Think of your allergy tolerance as a bucket.

Each allergen — pollen, dust mites, mould, pets, air pollution — adds a little more water.

Once it overflows, symptoms erupt.

This is why reducing any trigger, even one that’s not your main culprit, can make a real difference.

Small changes like using HEPA filters, washing your hair before bed, or keeping pets out of bedrooms all help keep the “bucket” below the overflow line.

Why Some People Struggle More

Allergies don’t exist in isolation. Life stage, hormones, stress, and other conditions can all make symptoms worse.

• Hormones: Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can shift inflammation levels, sometimes amplifying allergy responses.

• Stress: Heightened stress and poor sleep make inflammation worse, which can intensify symptoms.

• Asthma overlap: Around 80% of people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis. When nasal swelling spreads into the lower airways, symptoms become more severe.

Testing and Treatment: Getting Targeted Relief

Understanding what’s driving your allergies is the first step to managing them effectively.

1. Testing:

Skin-prick or IgE blood tests identify your specific triggers — whether it’s grass pollen, dust mites, or cat dander.

2. Medication:

Antihistamines for itching and sneezing; steroid nasal sprays for congestion; eye drops for irritation.

These work best when taken regularly, not just when symptoms flare.

3. Immunotherapy:

For people with moderate to severe hay fever or dust mite allergy, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a long-term solution.

By retraining your immune system with controlled doses of the allergen, it reduces sensitivity, cuts medication use, and may even reduce future asthma risk.

The Takeaway: You Can Regain Control

Airborne allergies hit harder for some people because of genetics, environment, and lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.

By:

• Reducing your exposure load

• Supporting your barrier defences

• Taking the right medications consistently

• Considering immunotherapy if needed

  
  

you can move from simply surviving allergy season to actually enjoying it.

Allergies may be common, but suffering doesn’t have to be.

Quick Answers

Why do some people get allergies worse than others?

Because of differences in genetics, immune system sensitivity, environment, and lifestyle factors.

Can allergies run in families?

Yes — if one parent has allergies, your risk is around 40%; if both do, up to 70%.

Does pollution make hay fever worse?

Yes. Pollutants can bind to pollen, making it more irritating and helping it travel deeper into your lungs.

Can stress or hormones make allergies worse?

Absolutely. Stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes can increase inflammation and intensify reactions.

Can immunotherapy stop allergies altogether?

It can’t “cure” allergies completely, but it re-trains your immune system for long-term relief.