Whilst spring and summer may traditionally be viewed as hay fever season, autumn can bring its own set of problems for allergy sufferers. Healthcare Group GP and Allergy Lead, Dr Vicky Carre, explains the challenges faced and how to go about tackling them.
Autumn allergens
Autumn heralds a plethora of possible allergic triggers. House dust mites are found all year round but peak in autumn and winter. House dust mites are microscopic insects that live in warm, damp, dusty places, feasting on human skin flakes that make up most of our house dust. Pillows, mattresses, soft furnishings, carpets and soft toys are places where they love to hang out. House dust mites are a common trigger for those with hay fever symptoms and are also implicated in asthma flare-ups. Like house dust mites, moulds also peak in autumn and the spores are another common allergic trigger. Pollens remain a common culprit as well. Tree and grass pollens predominate in spring and summer, but autumn sees the rise of weed pollens. Finally, animal danders are another trigger for some people and in the colder months we are likely to spend more time indoors with our pets, increasing allergen exposure.
Allergy or common cold?
Another dilemma in autumn is distinguishing allergic symptoms from a cold or flu. Both conditions cause runny nose and sneezing and can make you feel generally awful. However, a cold or flu is more likely to cause a cough, body aches and a fever, plus it will develop over a few days. Allergic symptoms will develop quickly after exposure to the trigger and the sufferer will usually have a background history of previous reactions.
Solving autumn allergies
1. Limiting exposure
As with all allergies, the ideal solution is to limit exposure to the trigger. Controlling house dust mite levels takes a bit of work but can make a big difference. Keep the home well-ventilated, choose wood or vinyl flooring over carpets and blinds over curtains. Damp-dust surfaces regularly, vacuum with a HEPA-filter fitted appliance and regularly wash curtains, soft toys and soft furnishings at 60 degrees. People who are sensitive to mould spores should also aim to keep their homes clean and well-ventilated and should avoid damp woods, rotting leaves and compost heaps. Avoiding pollen completely is impossible but those affected by pollens can try to limit exposure by staying indoors on high pollen-count days and avoiding grassy areas.
2. Eating well
Autumn is an important time to enjoy an immune-boosting diet to help with allergies and stave off cold and flu viruses. Eating colourful fruits and vegetables ensures a good supply of anti-oxidants which are vital for immune health. It is also a good time to focus on gut health and your microbiome. A diverse plant-based diet with the addition of probiotics (for example in yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi) supports a healthy gut which can regulate the immune system and reduce allergic reactions.
3. Medications
The use of medication may be required regularly through the autumn for some people. Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays containing steroids are available over-the-counter but if you are still getting troublesome symptoms then you may benefit from stronger prescription-only medicines.
If you are struggling with allergies this autumn, make an appointment at Healthcare’s Allergy Clinic. Based in the relaxed and comfortable surroundings of our SkinCare branch on the St Martins site, a consultation at the Allergy Clinic will help you to identify your triggers and get on top of your symptoms. Call 237757 to book an appointment.
Comments