Beware of fall allergies

Stating that there is an increase in allergic diseases with the autumn months, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gülay Kaplan said that despite the end of the spring and summer months, it can be seen that complaints such as persistent cough, runny nose and nasal congestion continue and even intensify.

Medicana Bursa Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gülay Kaplan, who stated that the cause of allergies in autumn may be the increase in molds, house dust or weed pollen that increase in the autumn months, stated that the autumn season brings surprises that may be a problem for some people as well as its beauties. Dr. Gülay Kaplan stated that there are some changes that concern those with allergic diseases in the autumn months, which are expected with great hope after the spring and summer seasons, and said, “With the cooling of the weather, wind and humidity are important features of the climate change experienced during this period. Pollen can be carried by winds from very distant regions. In late summer and fall, some weed pollen is dense in the atmosphere. Pollen that falls to the ground with rains can stay under dry leaves for a long time. These pollen can mix into the air with walks and winds and cause some diseases when inhaled.”

Pointing out that humidity also provides a suitable environment for the growth of mold fungi, Kaplan said, “Again, you may be exposed to fungal spores growing on soil, rotten plant residues in nature while gardening, while walking in these areas. These fungal spores can also be carried to remote areas by the wind. Increased humidity creates favorable conditions for mite and mold growth not only in nature but also indoors, in our living spaces. Due to the formation of mites and mold in our homes, schools or workplaces, our problems will start to arise due to these allergens after the summer months. As a result, sensitive people may experience exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and asthma diseases.”

Stating that patients who are allergic to pollen or mold fungi should plan their outdoor activities well, Kaplan said, “It is important for protection against allergens that they do not go out unless it is compulsory, especially in the morning hours, in windy weather, and prefer indoor areas for sports activities. In order to prevent pollen or fungal spores from entering the living environment, it may be good to keep the windows closed and take a shower by changing clothes when you come home in order to clean the allergens that stick to us. Especially in forested areas, fungal spores are found in plant residues, so activities in these areas should be avoided. Mites (mites) and fungal spores (mold), which are indoor allergens, will become a problem again with the increase in humidity in the fall months.”

Stating that the home environment should be arranged in such a way that mites cannot survive and mold fungi, which are more common in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, should be carefully eliminated, Kaplan said, “Reducing humidity is also extremely important for these measures to be effective. It should not be forgotten that ventilation systems also pose a great risk in this respect and these devices should be regularly maintained. Complaints due to spring allergy may vary from person to person. Many people may have runny nose, nasal congestion, itching in the nose, sneezing in succession, nasal discharge, itching, redness, stinging in the eyes, bagging and bruising under the eyes, pain, itching and hoarseness in the throat, fullness and itching in the ears.”

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