I really sympathize with allergy sufferers. It helps to understand that allergies are caused by airborne particles. Hiking, riding bikes, and simply moving through the air on a spring or summer day exposes us to countless allergens. During allergy season, the air is ‘allergy soup’ with pollen, dust and animal dander entering our bodies through our nose, mouth, and eyes. Mucus membranes become covered with tiny particles causing allergic reactions that make us miserable.