Mold in the leaves: why allergies worsen in the fall and how to treat them
In September, many Russians experience an aggravation of allergies. This is due to many factors: the blooming of weeds, changes in the microclimate in apartments and moldy fungi that develop under fallen leaves. "Izvestia" figured out how to distinguish seasonal allergies from ARVI and how allergy sufferers can improve their condition.
Autumn aggravation
In the fall, many allergy sufferers face an exacerbation of their symptoms. This is due to the blooming of grasses and environmental changes, Madina Shadyzheva, an allergist-immunologist at the FNAC of FMBA of Russia, a member of the Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists (RAACI), told Izvestia.
- Despite the fact that the peak of allergic reactions falls on spring and summer, the fall cannot be called safe either. In September weeds are still blooming, including wormwood, goldenrod, ragweed and ragweed, which can be encountered during vacations in the south. And then, with the onset of cool and rainy weather, the aggravation of allergies is already associated with mold fungi that appear under fallen leaves," Shadyzheva explained.
According to her, the beginning of the heating season also contributes to the development of reactions - the reason for less frequent airing of apartments. Because of this, the microclimate in the room changes: dry air leads to the accumulation of dust, which is the habitat of mites. Food allergies in people can be aggravated by changes in the diet: the addition of seasonal fruits and vegetables (pears, plums, carrots).
As noted by the doctor, the duration of exacerbation depends on many factors, especially the temperature of the air outside and in the living room. As a rule, the fall allergy season lasts from early September to mid-October.
- In dry and warm autumns, symptoms are less pronounced. If the weather is cool and humid, discomfort recedes with the arrival of the first frost, - concluded the interlocutor of "Izvestia".
What allergies occur in the fall
Zlata Ermakova, allergist, immunologist of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg), in her conversation with "Izvestia" divides autumn allergens into several types of groups. Most often reactions (stuffy nose, itchy eyes, lacrimation, sneezing, coughing, skin rashes) can occur to the following:
- Mold spores. These can be both indoors and outdoors, especially on fallen leaves. These microscopic particles can penetrate the respiratory tract, causing reactions even in cold weather.
- Household dust. During the fall months, humidity levels in homes often increase, creating a breeding ground for dust mites. These microscopic creatures are powerful allergens that can provoke long-lasting and severe symptoms.
- Animal allergens. These are found in animal hair, saliva, urine and dander. In enclosed spaces, contact with these allergens increases, leading to worsening of allergies in sensitive people.
The situation with fall allergies is complicated by the fact that at the same time the season of acute respiratory viral infections begins. And the symptoms of many reactions can be similar to a cold, so it is not immediately possible to recognize their cause and start treatment, adds Madina Shadyzheva.
- If runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, itching in the nose and throat do not go away after a week, it is necessary to consult an allergist-immunologist to rule out allergic nature. The doctor, taking into account diagnostic tests, will help to determine what exactly there is an allergic reaction, and select a treatment, - says allergologist FNAC FMBA Russia.
How to protect yourself from fall allergies
In order to reduce the manifestations of fall allergies, doctors advise to follow several rules. The first and most important is to avoid contact with allergens. During the flowering period, try to go outdoors less often during their peak activity (from 10 to 15 hours), especially in windy weather. It is better to keep the windows closed at this time and use an air purifier.
Before walking, you can check the level of allergens in the air - if it is high, it is better to stay at home. And after - take a shower and wash clothes or at least brush them.
- In addition, you need to do regular wet cleaning in the house. This will help reduce the amount of dust and mold in the house. It is especially important to pay attention to areas where moisture can accumulate, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, - advises allergist Zlata Ermakova.
If you have to work in the garden or remove fallen leaves, it is better to wear gloves and a protective mask to reduce the risk of inhaling mold spores and dust. Finally, allergy sufferers can reduce the number of indoor plants - dust accumulates on them, and fungi can multiply in pots with soil.
How to identify the allergen and treat allergies
The key to fighting allergies is identifying the allergen. If a person knows exactly what the body reacts to, it is possible to reduce contact with it, develop an individualized treatment and prevention plan.
As explained by Roman Ivanov, an expert physician at the Hemotest laboratory, today allergens can be identified in different ways. One of them is skin tests: the patient makes small scratches on the skin and drops into them a solution containing the substance-allergen, then watch the reaction. Swelling and redness at the site of application are very likely to indicate an allergic reaction.
A more accurate and safer test is a blood test for antibodies to allergens (specific antibodies that the immune system produces in response to a dangerous substance). Once the "culprit" is known, the doctor will be able to select a treatment.
Allergy treatment itself consists of two stages: prescription of medications and immunotherapy (ASIT), says allergist Zlata Ermakova. At the first stage, the doctor can prescribe the patient steroid sprays to relieve swelling of mucous membranes, antihistamines to reduce itching and sneezing. And on the second - to choose a therapy that will help the body to adapt to allergens.
- The patient is administered small doses of the allergen, gradually reducing the body's sensitivity to it. This approach allows not only to alleviate symptoms, but in the long run to get rid of allergic reactions completely," says the allergist.
Without treatment, allergies can lead to complications, such as anaphylactic shock. This dangerous condition is associated with respiratory failure, a sharp drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Therefore, it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor, find the allergen and select therapy, concludes Roman Ivanov.
