Ouch allergy they disturb us not only in spring. Even in autumn go on, sneezing, itchy eyes, make up the unpleasant daily life of many people. In fact, experts emphasize that autumn allergies are becoming more frequent and intense.

One of the main causes of fall allergies is ragweed, which abounds in cities and rural areas, explains Dr. Michelle Pham, an allergist and immunologist at the University of California, San Francisco. One such plant can release billions of pollen molecules that irritate the sinuses, causing them to become inflamed. It blooms in August, but its flowering can continue until November, and it is found throughout America. Another cause of autumn allergies is mold, which forms on the fallen leaves of trees.

Kenneth Mendes, President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, explains, “Many people don’t realize that allergy seasons have doubled and become much more intense due to climate change. Higher carbon dioxide emissions cause plants to release higher concentrations of pollen. For this reason, allergies are much more severe.

high temperatures they persist for a longer period of time and the first frosts appear with a consistently longer delay. Thus, plants such as ragweed grow longer and release pollen at longer intervals.

Due to the urban heat island effect, temperatures are higher in cities than in rural areas. Buildings and infrastructure absorb and retain heat longer, raising average temperatures in urban centers by about 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to less densely built-up areas during the day, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. In practice, this means more severe allergy symptoms for urban dwellers, where warmer temperatures encourage ragweed to thrive, Mendes notes.

Similar Symptoms

Higher carbon dioxide emissions cause plants to release higher concentrations of pollen.

Fall allergy symptoms vary from patient to patient, but most are similar to spring allergies, says Dr. Angie Peters, an allergist at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago. The most common are a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and fatigue, symptoms that can be caused by both the common cold and COVID-19.

Purvi Parik, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone, notes that the only way to rule out the possibility that your symptoms are caused by COVID-19 is to get tested. However, allergies almost never cause fever, body aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as seasonal infections. Allergies are accompanied by itching, and autumn allergens also cause skin eczema.

Monitoring allergy symptoms is important, especially because they can trigger asthma. More than 4,000 people die every year because of it. In the fall, emergency room visits and hospitalizations for asthma are on the rise, Dr. Parik emphasizes, adding that people don’t know how serious the situation is.

Coping Tips

To prevent allergies, there are “secrets” that can help: close the windows, especially on sunny days with strong winds, and take off your shoes at the entrance. When you get home, it would be nice to take a shower and change clothes, and it would also be nice to install HERA filters that purify the atmosphere. When you go out, it is helpful to wear a hat, sunglasses, and also a mask.

Also, if you have severe allergic symptoms, over-the-counter medications (antihistamines, etc.) can help. If, however, they are so severe that they interfere with your daily life, you should visit a doctor who has other weapons in his quiver to help you.