Autumn Allergy
Allergic complaints caused by pollen in spring are caused by mold fungi in autumn. In addition to mold fungi, pollen in weeds such as house dust and ragweed increase allergic complaints.
With the transition to the autumn season, allergic rhinitis, which is defined by nasal itching, runny nose, nasal congestion and very frequent sneezing, manifests itself. However, due to the cold weather, there is an increase in the flu epidemic, and seasonal flu can be confused with allergic rhinitis. While seasonal flu increases the complaints of allergic rhinitis, it can be said that it causes asthma attacks in some cases.
Cool autumn air contains substances as irritating as pollen. The level of allergy increases with more exposure to mold spores and dust mites in autumn. Especially since the number of house dust mites increases with the change of seasons, an increase is observed in allergic asthma, eye allergies and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, spending a lot of time indoors in the autumn, drying the clothes in the environment we live in and using moisture-producing devices that can cause humidity increase the cases of allergic rhinitis.
What are the Causes of Allergy in Autumn?
With the arrival of the autumn months, the rains and the falling of the leaves cause a magnificent view in nature. These months, which cause tranquility in the soul of man, are a period when mold fungi increase. In patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and asthma, runny nose, sneezing, redness and itching in the eyes, shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue during the day are observed during this period. Rotting of plants with rains and then spreading of molds to the air are among the main reasons for the increase in allergic complaints in autumn.
Pollens of weeds such as ragweed, which start to pollinate in September and October, are among the causes of autumn allergies. Weed pollens can cause an increase in allergic rhinitis and asthma complaints. In addition, people with pollen allergy may have complaints such as sensitivity to foods such as banana, melon and pumpkin, itching in the mouth, redness and swelling on the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Autumn Allergy?
With the end of the summer months, when we start to spend more time at home, we see that complaints related to mold and house dust allergies arise, especially in children, with the opening of schools in the autumn months.
- Runny nose
- Watery and itchy red eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy and swollen nose
indicates the onset of allergic complaints.
Especially coughing can be the first sign of allergy that occurs in the autumn months. If a person has a cough that does not go away and this cough occurs regularly in spring and autumn, the possibility of allergy can be considered. In addition, seasonal flu also causes an increase in allergic complaints.
How Are Autumn Allergies Diagnosed?
Complaints such as cough, runny nose, itching, sneezing, watery eyes that occur in the autumn months are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
First of all, a detailed story is taken from people who experience these symptoms and apply to the hospital. Allergy tests are performed by allergy specialists to make the full diagnosis.
Among the allergy tests, the most important is the allergy skin test. For allergy testing, skin tests, called skin prick tests, are most preferred. For people who cannot be tested for skin due to some reasons, blood allergy testing is also performed. In addition to allergy testing, respiratory function tests are also performed for people with suspected allergic asthma.
What Should Be Done to Prevent Allergic Diseases?
People who are allergic to pollen or mold fungi should plan their activities outside very well. Especially in the morning and in windy weather, it is important not to go out if it is not necessary, and to prefer closed areas for sports activities to protect them from allergens. In order to prevent pollen or spore fungi from entering the living environment, it is recommended to keep the windows closed and to take a shower by changing clothes when coming home from outside.
Mites and molds, which are indoor allergies, will start to become a problem with the increase in humidity in the autumn months. By arranging the home environment in such a way that mites cannot live, mold fungi, which are more common in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, can be prevented. For these measures to be effective, it is very important to reduce humidity. Ventilation systems are effective at this point and the maintenance of the devices should be done regularly.
In summary;
Due to the increase in molds, house dust and pollen in autumn, an increase is observed in cases such as cough, runny nose, sneezing, itching. People with an allergic nature should take measures to prevent these complaints from increasing in autumn. Patients with autumn allergies can overcome this process more easily by starting the treatment with the appropriate diagnosis method.
