Autumn is coming: What allergies does it bring with it?

30th September 2023

Autumn is coming: What allergies does it bring with it?

As we bid farewell to another “summer” and welcome the cool embrace of autumn, it’s time to prepare for a different kind of seasonal shift: the rise of autumn allergies. 

As the leaves change from green to golden amber – while they look charming – they bring a host of allergens that can trigger symptoms you’re unlikely to see across the rest of the year. 

Autumn weeds produce new pollen types. Mould spores grow from fallen, rotting leaves, soil, compost heaps, and dead plants. And indoor allergens are on the rise. 

Let’s explore these together. 

Autumnal pollen

As the seasons take a turn, so do the flowering weeds. Common to autumn, you’ll likely find common dock weed, ragweed, mugwort, nettles, sorrel and plantain. Ragweed, in particular, is a notorious nuisance. It grows fast and produces exceptionally high pollen levels from the end of August to November (or until the first frost). If you’re experiencing a ragweed allergy, you might be experiencing fever symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Additionally, mugwort pollen makes for quite the autumn allergy cocktail. 

The rise of the mould spores

Falling leaves can be magical in the autumn months. But not for those with an allergy to mould spores. These spores thrive in damp, decaying matter; of which, autumn is the perfect breeding ground. Fallen leaves, especially when wet, become hotspots for mould growth. These tiny spores can cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms when inhaled. Dampness is a boon for mould spores, making it essential to take precautions to minimise exposure if you have a mould spore allergy. 

Indoor allergens take centre stage 

 As days get darker and damper, we tend to hibernate and spend more time indoors. By doing so, we create a different sort of allergen hotbed. Being inside increases dust buildup, leading to mites, pet dander, and indoor moulds. As it gets colder outside and energy prices have no intentions of dropping, we’re more likely to keep windows and doors closed, keeping all the allergens circulating inside, increasing exposure. 

So, how can you manage autumn allergens?

The changing season doesn’t have to mean surrendering to allergies. Here are a few proactive steps you can take:

Know your triggers

Before taking prevention, knowing what is specifically causing discomfort is your first port of call. When you know the issue, you can arm yourself against autumn allergens by minimising your exposure.

Autumn clean

It’s like a spring clean, but after the summer, not before it. Swap out lighter bedding for warmer, allergen-proof bedding. Pull out all your furniture where you can and give a thorough clean and hoover. Autumn means closing windows and doors to keep outside allergens from coming in, but it puts you between a rock and a hard place because that also prevents indoor allergens from getting out. Investing in an air purifier can be a handy middle ground. 

Stay informed

As you would with pollen counts in the summer, keep monitoring pollen counts and mould levels in your area. On days when allergen levels are high, you can make an informed choice on whether or not to stay inside. 

The vibrant hues of autumn leaves are on their way, but so are seasonal allergies. The good news is that you don’t have to lock yourself away until the spring. Let’s take the first steps to uncover any potential seasonal allergens causing discomfort. Our allergy experts can guide you through the process, from testing to advice you need to live a comfortable life. Simply register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Autumn allergies: three triggers that might affect you

26th October 2022

Autumn allergies: three triggers that might affect you

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The weather starts to cool (which I’m sure we’ll all appreciate this year), the hues of orange and red come out, and we’re only a stone’s throw from Christmas. There’s a lot to love about this season. Unless you have allergies. Then it might not be such a walk in the park.

Much like summer has many hay fever sufferers, well, suffering, autumn is a bad time of year for many. They might have similar blocked noses and itchy eyes. Certain autumnal favourites cause them distress. Or the prospect of trick or treating might make them worry about their child’s allergies.

Let’s take a look at some autumn allergies and what they mean for some people.

Seasonal allergies

Hay fever might be seen as a summery allergy, but it affects different people at different times. This is because it depends on what kind of pollen you’re allergic to. Those who suffer from hay fever in summer are likely sensitive to grass pollen, while those who get it in spring can blame it on trees.

For people with autumn allergies, you can blame it on weeds. Ragweed is the biggest culprit, and its pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind, making it hard to avoid. To make it worse, 75% of people allergic to spring plants will also react to ragweed.

You might find it hard to avoid it in your food, too. Pollen food syndrome is when you react to certain pollen-bearing fruit, and it shares many of the same symptoms as hay fever. Fruits affected by weed pollen can include banana, melon, and watermelon. So it might be worth avoiding them.

Pumpkins

Pumpkin spice latte has become the unofficial drink of the season. But can you be allergic to it? Like many things, yes you can, but it’s incredibly rare. There are only a handful of documented cases, mostly in children. And their reaction was what you’d expect from a food allergy.

So on the very slight chance you or someone you know is allergic, here are the symptoms to look out for. If it touches your skin, there might be a rash. Any contact with your face may cause eye itching and lip swelling. And ingestion can lead to difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these after coming into contact with pumpkin, talk to your doctor.

Halloween

This spooky time of year is a favourite with children who can’t wait to go trick or treating. But any parent of a child with a food allergy likely knows the anxiety that comes with it. You can’t control what people give your child, and you can’t vet their sweets as you walk. So what can you do?

This is the time for due diligence. And you might have to be the bad guy. You’ll need to assess every sweet they get to ensure it doesn’t set off their allergies. Here’s our big tip: for every piece you have to remove, replace it with something they’ll love. Either an approved snack they like or a toy. That way, they’re not losing out.

Autumn allergies can really ruin the mood of the season. But it doesn’t have to be such a huge strain on your life. By staying aware of what might affect you, you can avoid any unnecessary symptoms. And if your allergies really start to get to you, always talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist about the next steps.

We’ve always got an open ear. If you ever feel you need to discuss your allergies, or if you need some advice, reach out to our team. A specialist is always happy to help. Just call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

Three common autumn allergies and how to fight the symptoms

18th August 2021

Three common autumn allergies and how to fight the symptoms

Autumn is almost here. How time flies! For many, this time of year conjures up cosy feelings of reading a book by the fire or wading through a blanket of fallen golden leaves. 

But for others, the season can bring on a stuffy nose, teary eyes, and an out-of-sorts feeling. So what are the common autumn allergies and how can you combat them?

Weed pollen

When people think of hay fever, they usually think of the summer. While summer hay fever is incredibly common, different types of pollen release at different times of the year. Between the end of June and September, weed releases its pollen, causing hay-fever symptoms even in autumn. 

To fight a weed pollen allergy, it can help to wear a scarf, mask, or bandana over your mouth and nose to prevent pollen from irritating your nose. And it might be worth talking to your GP about taking antihistamines before the symptoms set in.

Mould

Mould is more common in the colder months as we have more damp weather, making it easier for moisture to build up. And since most mould spores are invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy for them to thrive in the home. 

Since moisture is such an important factor in mould growth, reducing the humidity in your home can help. You can use dehumidifiers and open the bathroom window to prevent steam. It’s also a good idea to rake up any leaves and debris in the garden to prevent it from growing.

Dust mites

Did you know humans aren’t actually allergic to dust mites? It’s the proteins in their droppings that sets us off. And like mould spores, moisture affects the number of dust mites in the home.

Since moisture is such an important factor, opening windows to reduce humidity can help. You can also use a microfiber cloth to clean dust. This way, the particles stick to cloth instead of dispersing into the air, which can aggravate your symptoms.

Allergies can cause a lot of disruption to your daily life. But with some preparation and forethought, you can reduce your symptoms and create a more comfortable living environment.

Are allergies getting you down? Don’t wait around. Get in touch with us at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, or call us on 02031 433 449.

Does my child have a pumpkin allergy?

18th November 2020

Does my child have a pumpkin allergy?

As we wave goodbye to autumn, we wave goodbye to Halloween too. A holiday of pure fun for the kids where they can indulge in sweets, dress up, and, best of all, pumpkin carving. In fact, pumpkins have become somewhat of a winter staple, with pumpkin-spiced lattes standing as one of the season’s hottest drinks.

But for some, pumpkins can trigger a reaction in their body. It might make some question if this is an allergic reaction. So how do you know if it’s an actual allergy?

Symptoms

First of all, if you suspect it’s an allergy, your GP or an allergy doctor are the ones to go to for medical advice. They will give you the appropriate tests and help you receive proper treatment.

Although a true pumpkin allergy is rare, it has been reported in the past. Symptoms can include itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, sneezing, and chest tightness, and can be brought on by either eating pumpkin or from carving one. 

Carving pumpkins

Pumpkins fall into the “winter squash” category, the same category as butternut squash. Butternut squash has, in the past, been known for causing skin irritation that can sometimes cause a contact dermatitis reaction, like pumpkin. Topical reactions can range from contact reactions to anaphylaxis, although this is rare.

You may be wondering why, when your child has eaten pumpkin in the past, they’re experiencing a reaction to their skin. It is possible for a reaction to occur when carving a pumpkin, despite having no prior reactions to eating pumpkin. It’s suggested that the changes to the pumpkins protein that happen during cooking is what makes it safe for some to eat, while raw pumpkin flesh can cause a skin reaction.

Allergies can be tricky to identify and can be the source of unnecessary worry. To put your mind at rest this holiday season, it’s best to get tested for any suspected allergies so you can practice caution and prevent any incidents from happening in the future.

We want everyone to enjoy the autumn, free of concern. Get in touch now to book an allergy test or get some further insight or advice on your allergies on 02031 433 449.

Can you have hay fever all year round?

30th September 2020

Can you have hay fever all year round?

Many of us have made peace with our hay fever. In fact, up to 30% of adults and 40% of children have to live with it! Each year, we’re met with the same, familiar symptoms. Waking up to a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and thinking “well, here we go again”.

But, while we’ve come to expect hay fever – or allergic rhinitis – during late spring and summer, what if the symptoms persist through the colder months too? 

First of all, we’re sorry to say that it is possible to suffer from hay fever all year round. But let’s look at why.

Hay fever in autumn

Normally, autumn approaches and we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that hay fever has packed its bags for another year. That is until we wake up in mid-October sneezing with our eyes puffy.

There are two main reasons for hay fever to stick around through autumn. Firstly, it could be down to pollution. Pollution can prevent pollen from rising through the atmosphere. It traps it down on the ground with us. Meaning even when pollen season ends, some pollen sticks around.

And second, hay fever in autumn could simply be the result of a late pollen season. Really cold winters can delay pollination. So instead of a spring/summer hay fever season, we’re left with a summer/autumn one.

Hay fever in winter

Down to similar reasons as above, hay fever in winter is also possible. Mild winters have the power to speed up pollen season. As trees and bulbs develop quicker under these conditions, we can find ourselves suffering from hay fever much earlier than we’re used to.

And, like above, pollution can keep pollen around for longer than we’d like and mix with it to make its effects more powerful. So what little pollen might be around during the winter months can affect you a lot more.

It’s worth noting that allergic rhinitis can also be caused by dust or mould spores. Which, if you’re spending more time indoors – as you probably will be during the colder months – could explain your hay-fever-like symptoms!

And there you have it. Why hay fever might be an ongoing problem for you – even during the colder months! It might sound terrible, but there are always ways you can minimise your symptoms. Talk to your GP or an allergy specialist to find a solution that works for you.

If you want to find out more about your allergies, or would like to book an allergy test, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

A never-ending struggle: allergies through the seasons

16th October 2019

A never-ending struggle: allergies through the seasons

Sometimes it can feel as if allergies are a constant source of stress. Most people think of hay fever as the only seasonal allergy. But sometimes one season rolls into another and there’s no relief from the sneezing or itching. Why is this? It’s because different seasons bring different allergens. 

It’s tough to keep up, we know. So here’s a quick breakdown of which allergies are typical of each season.

Autumn

The damp conditions of autumn cause mould spores to thrive, especially if it’s still a little humid outside. Whether it’s in piles of leaves, grass, or compost piles, mould might extend your spring and summer suffering. It also tends to be windier in autumn, meaning any leftover pollen can wreak havoc while mould spores get blown around and are more likely to intrude on your personal space.

Winter

During the cold, frosty weather we get some much-needed relief from pollen and hay fever. But we’re often met with a new nemesis. As you power up your heating, it can kick up a lot of dust. Dust allergy symptoms look a lot like hay fever, often making it a year-round struggle.

You can limit your suffering by keeping your home’s humidity below 55%, using a HEPA filter in your vacuum, and keeping up with cleaning around the house. No one wants to get sneezing, wheezing, and itching for Christmas!  

Some keen varieties of tree pollen may also make an early appearance towards the end of winter.

Spring

April showers bring beautiful flowers. But these beautiful flowers also bring hay fever. This is one of the most common allergies out there; somewhere between 10 and 30% of adults are said to suffer. 

From March onwards, tree and plant pollen will be in full swing. And as the weather starts to get nicer, you’ll probably start spending more time outside, increasing your chance of symptoms. 

Summer 

As tree and plant pollen make their way out, we get treated to grass and weed pollen instead! It’s the time of barbeques and picnics, meaning we like to keep our grass nice and trimmed – do you see where we’re going with this?

We’re outside more meaning we can get irritated by smog in the atmosphere. And also run an increased risk of any insect sting or bite allergies.

The moral of this story is that every season brings with it new reasons to sneeze. While an entire year of runny noses and streaming eyes sounds less than ideal, a bit of caution can easily reduce your suffering. Pay attention to the weather, keep an eye on pollen counts, and try to keep allergens out of your home.

If you want to find out more about seasonal allergies or book an allergy test to identify your triggers, give us a call on 02031 433 499.