What to do about your mystery seasonal allergy

20th April 2022

What to do about your mystery seasonal allergy

In a recent blog, we talked about what to do about springtime allergies. It’s that time of year that hay fever and pollen sensitivities start to affect people. Blocked noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats are all uncomfortably common. But when you know what you’re fighting against, it’s at least easier to treat.

If you experience these symptoms and don’t know why? That’s when it gets trickier. It might describe you. Every year, around the same time, you start to feel those familiar warning signs. But you ignore them and try to carry on. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to turn a blind eye.

In fact, it’s better not to. If you’re having mystery symptoms that might be seasonal allergies, here’s what you should do.

Start an allergy diary

This is a bit of an odd one. Most people with allergies don’t have to track them. They just treat them and get on with life. But when you don’t know what you’re up against? That information can be invaluable.

Keeping track of your symptoms is just so you have something to talk to a doctor about. If you can go to an allergy specialist and tell them when you’re experiencing certain symptoms, it’s going to help their diagnosis and recommendations. Factors to note down include time of year, time of day, and what reactions you have. It’s going to come in handy for this next tip…

Talk to a specialist

You can talk to your GP and it’ll be fine, but we recommend talking specifically with an allergist. This is because they’re going to have more in-depth experience with this topic and can quickly guide you to an answer.

The allergy diary is going to be useful here. It’ll likely answer some of their questions for you and start them down the path of finding what you’re allergic to. In the case of seasonal allergies, if they see your reactions around March or April, it’s going to point them towards a tree pollen allergy.

Get an allergy test

This might be the allergist’s next course of action. An allergy test will further help them hone in on the right answer and start shaping your course of treatment. For average seasonal allergies, this may just be some antihistamines. More serious allergies will require more serious treatments.

If you’re unsure about this, talk openly with the allergy specialist. They can talk you through the types of tests available, what results you’re likely to see, and how the test might affect you. You can read more about allergy testing in one of our other blogs.

25% of people in the UK have a seasonal allergy like hay fever. So if this is the case for you, just know you’re far from alone. Talk to the right people, get yourself tested, and start to live a healthier life. Don’t let that stuffy nose ruin any more summers!

If you’re looking for an allergy specialist to guide you through your seasonal allergy concerns, get in touch. You can register as a new patient at this link or, if you’d rather, give us a quick call on 02031 433 449.

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.