Allergies are a sore point for many people. A runny nose, watery eyes, shortness of breath and rashes effectively impede daily functioning. In our society, it has become accepted that allergic reactions occur especially in spring. Of course, this is true – the first warm days of the year can give allergists a hard time, but it is true that for many of them the most difficult time of the year is autumn. How to cope with it?
It is very common to confuse autumn allergies with the first symptoms of a cold. The symptoms are indeed often similar, but the problem arises when we realize that traditional medicines do not help. A common surprise is that a cough, a feeling of congested sinuses or conjunctivitis can be the result of allergies. Pollen is not exclusive to spring, rainy weather and high humidity in the air is a paradise for mold, and with dry and hot air, dust mites begin to proliferate in our homes. While these are not the only reasons by which allergic reactions occur during this period, they can certainly be counted among the most common.
Let’s start with the basics – what allergens in autumn?
Pollenosis, or allergy to the pollen of wind-pollinated plants can be particularly troublesome not only in spring and summer, but also in autumn. Although there are not as many plant allergens in the air, there are still enough of them to make life miserable for allergy sufferers. Weeds, especially mugwort, have a high pollen activity. Quinoa, lupine, plantain, nettle, perennial grass and ragweed can also be a threat.
We must not forget about fungi and mold. Autumn is a time that is particularly conducive to their rapid multiplication, due to the temperature (16-30°C) and humidity (above 70%). It should be noted that the presence of mold is recorded throughout the year, but in autumn the concentration of allergens in the air is much higher than even in winter.
Another and often underestimated threat is undoubtedly mites. Autumn weather often does not encourage walking, so we choose to stay indoors – with central heating to keep us warm, tightly closed windows that impede air circulation and lots of dust that has settled on furniture and decorations. Thus, we lock ourselves in a space where mites surround us.
How to deal with autumn allergies?
It might seem that in the face of so many dangers we can’t avoid autumn allergies, after all, we are exposed to allergy triggers outside and in our own home. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way at all. The oldest, and most effective method, is to avoid allergens. People who are allergic to pollen should avoid walking in meadows, fields, country roads – anywhere there is a very high risk of coming into contact with allergy-causing plants. All those allergic to fungi and molds should try to avoid rooms that have been wet for a long time, and places where it is easy to come across old and decayed trees or piles of damp leaves. And if potted plants are watered too often and generously, consider removing them from the house, and react immediately to all signs of fungi and mold.
In the case of autumn allergies, keeping the apartment as clean as possible also plays a very important role. This can be achieved by traditional methods or by using modern solutions. Steam devices will be perfect here, which not only make cleaning faster and easier, but are also able to do it at a level unattainable to the human eye. – Every home, even the cleanest, is teeming with microbes and mites. The vast majority of them die at temperatures above 85°C, and this is the temperature that steam devices are able to produce: mops, washers and cleaners. Thanks to them we can remove up to 99.9% of microorganisms and bacteria, which significantly contributes to the elimination of problems with allergies to microorganisms living in our homes. – informs Arkadiusz Sawicki, an expert from Gero Sp. z o.o. which is the exclusive distributor of the Ariete brand in Poland. In addition, regular ventilation is very important to improve air circulation and prevent the proliferation of mites.
People suffering from autumn allergies, also very often have a problem with choosing the right chemicals to clean the house. Cleaning with hot steam generated under high pressure is not only effective, but also safe for our health and the environment. Steam also has hypoallergenic properties, so its use in home cleaning will help us avoid potential skin irritation or inhalation allergies. “A steam mop or washer right is a good alternative for people who would like to reduce contact with toxic chemicals in their daily lives and minimize the risk, resulting complications.” – The expert adds.
As for the issue of housing, it will be a very good practice to get rid of all “dust collectors.” On the market you will also find special preparations that can be sprayed on curtains, bedding or bedspreads, which effectively counteract the proliferation of dust mites.
Home remedies for alleviating autumn allergies
Allergists in the fight against allergies most often use pharmacotherapy or opt for desensitization. These are effectively ways to eliminate unpleasant discomforts, but not the only ones. Home methods of allergy relief can be just as effective. A good practice is to enrich your diet with products containing quercetin – it is a natural equivalent of antihistamines. It can be found in garlic, onions and hot peppers, which, by the way, also have anti-inflammatory properties. When we are tormented by a persistent cough and at the same time want to find something with an antibacterial effect, we can brew ourselves a tea of nettle or thyme. Natural ingredients that strengthen immunity also include honey and elderberry. At the same time, it is important to remember that our immunity will increase only after a certain period of time and requires regular consumption of products that are relieved by allergy symptoms.