Seasonal allergy, also known as hay fever, is a condition in which the immune system of people who are allergic to pollen or microparticles treats these particles as “invaders”.
When pollen and tiny particles (known as allergens) enter the body of allergic patients, the immune system is activated to deal with the particles and releases chemicals into the blood (such as histamine).
Seasonal allergies are not only a feature of spring and flower blooming. During autumn, seasonal allergies caused by weeds, mould and dust are also observed and equally affect the quality of life of patients.
CAUSE OF AUTUMN ALLERGIES
The most prevalent allergen during this period is pollen from weeds, which, while flowering in August, continue to produce pollen until September or even October. A large percentage, about 75%, of people who are allergic to spring plant pollen are also allergic to weeds. Due to the transport of pollen through the air, weeds can also cause inconvenience to allergic patients in areas where they are not prevalent.
Mould grows both indoors (walls, basements, rooms that have been closed for a long time and damp) and outdoors (piles of leaves on pavements or yards), and can also spread with the air. The relatively high temperature and humidity of the autumn months provide the right conditions for fungi and dust mites, which grow in areas with increased humidity and poor ventilation. Mites and mould are the main reasons why many children experience allergic symptoms at the beginning of the school year, due to the accumulation of dust and chalk in the school halls.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTUMN ALLERGIES
The symptoms of autumn allergies do not differ from the symptoms of other seasonal allergies and fall under the category of hay fever.
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by:
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Tears
- Runny Nose
- Itching in eyes and nose
- Black circles under the eyes
- Runny Nose
- Nasal congestion
Many times autumn allergies to weeds are also associated with food allergies that cause itching in the throat and oral cavity.
Airborne allergens can cause asthma with shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
PREVENTION – TREATMENT
The first measure of defence against autumn allergies and those who suffer from allergies in general is prevention:
- Avoidance of the responsible allergen, if known and feasible
- Remain indoors during the hours (10.00-15.00) when pollen is present in increased concentrations in the atmosphere
- Use a dehumidifier to maintain air humidity levels between 35%-50%
- Use of a mask during yard or underground cleaning
- Good ventilation of enclosed spaces
- Frequent general cleaning before switching on the heating, good cleaning of the bodies and timely cleaning of the air conditioner filters
- Informing the school in case the child has allergies
The appropriate treatment to treat the allergy is given by the allergist, with the common medication being:
- Corticosteroids for the treatment of nasal inflammation
- Antihistamines to reduce sneezing and itching
- Decongestants for topical or systemic use
- Immunotherapy or desensitisation is recommended in cases with severe symptoms that do not respond to other medication.
Allergic rhinitis – Seasonal allergies