Autumn allergies, how to recognize them and defend yourself properly

Autumn allergies represent an increasingly common phenomenon. Like spring allergies, autumn allergies can represent a sometimes disabling annoyance that forces those who suffer from them to live rather difficult days. 

AUTUMN ALLERGIES: WHAT ARE THEY

Autumn allergies recur punctually every year, mainly caused by pollen, mold and mites. Allergies, as it is known, represent an exaggerated reactivity of the organism towards the so-called allergens, that is normally harmless substances that, however, in allergic people, trigger an excessive immune response. The result is the production of immunoglobulin E and histamine, which causes the typical symptoms of allergy.

If in the north of Italy, between September and early November, it is ragweed and grass pollen that give a lot of trouble, in the center and in the south it is the pollen of the pellitory, due to the pollination of new plants in this period. 

Not only pollen, however. Another danger is represented by the spores of some molds, which increase in autumn due to more frequent rains and higher humidity, typical of poorly ventilated and closed environments. It is no coincidence that crawl spaces, closets, garage are all areas at risk of mold. But also the refrigerator, where they can contaminate food.

Autumn outdoor allergies

Fall outdoor allergies are caused by pollen. The summer ones that continue to circulate in the air almost until winter, due to high temperatures caused by climate change, and those produced by the pollination of plants such as ragweed, in the north, and ragweed, in the south-central. Pollens that are concentrated in the air especially in certain days, the sunniest ones, risking to trigger annoying reactions.

Autumn allergies at home

Autumn allergies in the home are mainly due to mold and mites. The former develop in humid environments, for example, closed and poorly ventilated home rooms. And the combination with the heat of radiators worsens the situation. Mites, on the other hand, proliferate on carpets, curtains, cushions, sheets, sofas and armchairs and dust is their ally. This is why it is advisable to keep the various fabrics clean, wash them at high temperatures and remove "unintentional" sources of dust, avoiding, for example, the accumulation of objects.

Symptoms

Watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, reddened skin, runny nose, abdominal swelling are just some of the typical symptoms of autumn allergies. And each of them is related to certain causes and, therefore, to specific allergens. In the case of allergies due to dust mites, symptoms include frequent rhinitis, sometimes appearance of conjunctivitis, sinus symptoms and in general more or less severe airway congestion. Skin reactions are less frequent. If we then talk about molds, the typical symptoms are rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis.

Prevention

A good habit, useful for the various types of allergies, is to perform nasal washes, at least 1 or 2 times a day, with saline solutions; they eliminate any pollen or other allergens from the nostrils. Washing your eyes with cold water throughout the day, and before bedtime, is also helpful. Avoid opening doors and windows at night and early in the morning. These are the times of the day with the highest concentration in the air.  It is also better to avoid environments where you smoke in order not to further irritate the mucous membranes of nose and eyes. Always for those allergic to pollens, it is recommended to avoid some vegetable foods, those with allergenic relation with the plants that irritate. Avoid in this period apricots, kiwis, citrus fruits, melon, watermelon, peaches, plums, tomatoes, cherries and almonds. Mold allergy sufferers should use dehumidifiers in humid home environments to keep the environment drier. And don't forget to air them out.

Natural remedies

Foods rich in fiber: nutrition is important to combat allergies, for example, whole grains, rich in minerals and vitamins, are perfect for providing fiber that strengthens the intestines, thus preventing rashes.

Foods rich in vitamin C and E. Vitamin C and vitamin E : strengthen the immune system by promoting health and, therefore, resistance to possible allergies. Therefore, make room for foods rich in these vitamins such as oranges, for vitamin C, and spinach, asparagus, broccoli, hazelnuts, eggs, peanuts for vitamin E.

Clean your home well: regular cleaning contributes to the reduction of allergens in the home.