Why Do Nasal Allergies Worsen During the Fall?

You may be curious about the cause of your nasal allergies during the fall, when you are mostly allergy-free in the spring and summer. Seasonal allergy or fall allergy is caused by external factors called allergens that increase during the autumn months. Nasal allergies, often referred to as allergic rhinitis, happen where your nose gets irritated by something you're allergic to, such as pollen, causing sneezing and other symptoms. It generally happens within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to. An allergy to ragweed, mold, and smoke/smog is the most frequent cause of nasal allergies.

Why Do Nasal Allergies Worsen During the Fall?

You may be curious about the cause of your nasal allergies during the fall, when you are mostly allergy-free in the spring and summer. Seasonal allergy or fall allergy is caused by external factors called allergens that increase during the autumn months. Nasal allergies, often referred to as allergic rhinitis, happen where your nose gets irritated by something you're allergic to, such as pollen, causing sneezing and other symptoms. It generally happens within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to. An allergy to ragweed, mold, and smoke/smog is the most frequent cause of nasal allergies.

What is Allergic Rhinitis (Nasal Allergy)?

Allergic rhinitis is the medical term used for nasal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is swelling of the nasal passageways caused by allergens. When your body comes into contact with an allergen, the defense mechanism is activated and releases histamine, a naturally occurring chemical that protects your body from the allergen. This chemical can cause allergic rhinitis and its symptoms, with a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

 

It is important to remember that allergic rhinitis shares many of the same symptoms as a common cold but is not caused by a virus or bacteria. Instead, it is caused by your immune system’s reaction to allergens you breathe into your body.

 Why your nasal allergies worsen during the autumn months?

Autumn allergies are a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Factors that contribute to fall allergies are:

1)      Pollen grains: The male reproductive components of plants, known as pollen grains (2.5–10 μm), are a primary cause of respiratory allergies. They cause allergic sensitization by penetrating the human body through the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. The primary sources of pollen that trigger allergy responses include trees, weeds, and grasses.

Ragweed pollen levels are particularly high in autumn, when the wind picks up the pollen particles and propels them through the air. When these minute ragweed pollens get into the nose of someone who is allergic, the immune system misinterprets the pollen as a threat, releasing antibodies to fight it.

2)      Mold: Also, autumn is a great season that supports the mold growth. Due to the drying, dying, and falling of the leaves, mold is released into the air, increasing the likelihood of allergies during the fall.

3)      Smoke: For many people, smoke in the air can cause allergy-like symptoms. To get rid of yard debris, people in certain states burn leaves and other vegetation, producing smoke. Additionally, when the temperature drops at night, they might also start using campfires or wood-burning fireplaces. This smoke, when combined with environmental air pollution, forms smog that further aggravates allergic symptoms and causes burning sensations in the eye and throat.

Symptoms of Nasal Allergy with Associated Symptoms

Common symptoms of fall allergies include the following:

 

• Nasal congestion
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Scratchy, irritable throat and/or nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)
• A dry cough
• Sinus pressure and headache
• Mouth breathing and snoring
• Disrupted sleep

Adults and kids who have additional symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing might have allergies that trigger asthma.

Tips to Manage Nasal Allergies

The treatment of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) includes reducing exposure to allergens and other triggers in conjunction with medication therapy. The following approach can be taken to combat nasal allergies:

1)      Wash hands often with soap and water. Don’t touch or rub your eyes or nose.

2)      Identify your allergens, like pollen, smoke, and molds. Before going to bed, take a bath and wash your hair to get the pollen out. Wear caps and sunglasses outside to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and hair.

3)      Stay indoors on windy days, especially when the pollen levels are high. Keep windows and doors shut at home, at the workplace, or in the car.

 

4)      Nasal rinse: Rinsing your nose with a saline (saltwater) solution can help reduce mucus and remove allergies. Do not forget to use them as instructed.

5)      Sprays for the nose: Corticosteroid nasal sprays work well and don't have many adverse effects. They take care of your nose's swelling and inflammation.

6)      Antihistamines like cetirizine relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but they do not relieve nasal congestion. When combined with nasal steroids or decongestants, they may offer more effective symptom relief.

7)      Allergy-related eye drops for treating the symptoms of eye allergies can be prescribed by your healthcare provider. They are a great tool to reduce burning sensation, itchiness, swelling, increased tearing, and redness.

8)      Install an air purifier with HEPA filters at home to create a safe haven for easier breathing and cleaner air. Also, an air purifier for your automobile or workstation might also be helpful if the quality of the air directly affects your breathing space.

9)      Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 mask when outdoors mowing the lawn or doing other activities.

10)   Vacuum floors at least once a week. Cleaning your house regularly helps to eliminate pollen, mold spores, or pet dander.

When to consult a doctor

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment available for you. Your family doctor can recommend anti-allergic medications like antihistamines, nasal irrigation with a saline solution to clear out the nose and sinuses, or an anti-itch eye drop.

See your health care provider or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if your allergy is:

·         Lasting longer than two weeks and doesn't improve with allergy medications.

·         Making it difficult for you to sleep.

·         Affecting your quality of life.

·         Accompanied with symptoms like hives, fever, or pain.

Hence, the first step towards managing nasal allergies is to avoid known allergic triggers. Commonly caused by smoke, ragweed or other pollens, and mold. Although there are efficient treatments for allergic rhinitis, the symptoms can still negatively impact your life and prevent you from engaging in your favorite activities. Discuss with your doctor the best course of action for symptom relief, easier breathing, and improved overall health. Let your doctor assist you in treating nasal allergies.

If you have any questions about your nasal allergies or related symptoms, you can check with our doctors at Ask a doctor, 24x7.