Autumn pollen: weed pollen and "autumn allergies"
Many people think allergies only happen in spring, but autumn weed pollen is also a common trigger.
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Where autumn pollen comes from
Unlike spring, when tree pollen is the main cause, the pollen that commonly causes allergies in autumn mostly comes from weeds. These plants grow widely in fields, along riverbanks, on waste ground and in city planting strips. When the weather is clear, windy and the air is dry, pollen can stay floating in the air for longer.
What the symptoms are like
Typical symptoms include an itchy nose, repeated sneezing, a runny nose with clear fluid, and itchy eyes, watery eyes and an itchy throat. Some people mainly have eye symptoms, and the eyelids may even swell. Symptoms appearing at a similar time each year is an important clue.
What you can do
- Follow local autumn pollen monitoring information and spend less time outdoors during peak periods
- Wear a mask and goggles when you go out, and change your clothes, wash your face and do nasal saline irrigation when you get home
- Dry clothes indoors instead of outdoors to reduce pollen coming into the home on your clothes
- If symptoms are obvious, see a doctor for assessment so they can make a proper plan
Autumn symptoms often appear together with other breathing problems. If you also have repeated wheezing, chest tightness or a cough that does not go away, it is best to see a doctor early for assessment. Do not treat it yourself as "pharyngitis" for a long time.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.