According to experts, fall allergies are becoming more and more common, causing thousands of people to suffer from sneezing and runny noses.
This phenomenon, called fall sneeze syndrome, is caused by changing pollen patterns and by an invasive plant called ragweed.
“Usually you get hay fever that starts with the tree pollen in March and April and then with the grass pollen from May to August, then it’s over for most people,” says Dr. Adrian Morris, senior allergist at Surrey Allergy Clinic.
“But now we’re getting those affected deep into the fall.” Previous studies have suggested that only a few people develop a hay fever allergy in the fall.
According to the charity Allergy UK, it is caused by increased levels of mold and fungal spores commonly found in dead plant material in gardens and woodlands, including rotting leaf piles, grass clippings, compost heaps and garden sheds. But Dr. Morris said the number of people affected has increased in part because of allergic reactions caused by ragweed, which sheds its pollen later in the year than most plants.
Fall sneeze syndrome is thought to be caused by changing pollen patterns and by an invasive plant called ragweed.
“Usually you get hay fever that starts with the tree pollen in March and April and then the grass pollen from May to August, and then it’s over for most people,” says Dr. Adrian Morris, senior allergist at Surrey Allergy Clinic (stock image). )
The invasive shrub, native to the US, has spread across Europe and is found in the UK, although it is still relatively rare.
However, Dr Morris said the main reason why so many people continued to suffer from allergies long after the summer months was still unclear, stressing it was a “fairly new phenomenon”.
One person who has suffered from autumn sneezing syndrome is Margaret Kennedy, from Fife, who says her attacks are so bad they leave her injured. “I sneezed 10 times in a row,” she said. “I keep a box of tissues in every room of the house as my nose drips badly.” Experts say there are cures for the condition.
According to Thomas Jacques, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at the London Nose And Sinus Clinic, a daily antihistamine, available in supermarkets and pharmacies, can be very effective in treating autumn sneezing syndrome.
He also recommended steroid nasal sprays that can be taken with antihistamines.
Mr Jacques added: “There are a lot of people suffering needlessly because they don’t know there are things in shops that can help.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
