There are more allergies in autumn due to several environmental factors that contribute to the increased allergen exposure such as whether changes.
The main reasons include:
Ragweed pollen is released from late summer to early fall. Ragweed pollen can travel for miles and causes heavy allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.
Mold spores: as leaves fall and decay outdoor mold can thrive in damp areas but increased indoor humidity in the autumn season means mold can also grow at home.
Dust mites as the number one cause of allergies in autumn time.
Dust mite allergies can worsen in autumn for several reasons:
- Increased indoor time
As temperatures drop, people spend more time indoors. This increases exposure to dust mites, which thrive in homes, particularly in bedding, carpets, upholstery, and curtains. More time inside means more contact with these allergens.
- Dust mites
When it gets colder, you get the winter blankets and warmer clothes out of the closet that have been stowed there all summer and thus is full of dust mites.
- Less ventilation
In autumn, windows are often kept closed to keep the heat in, leading to reduced airflow and ventilation. This traps allergens like dust mites indoors and increases their concentration in the air.
- Heated indoor air
When the heating systems are turned on in the fall, they blow warm, dry air around the home, which stirs up dust mites and their allergens. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions, so the warm indoor air provides an ideal environment for them.
What can you do?
01 Windows
Open windows for 20 min per day to exchange air. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills.
02 Bed and Bedding
Before using the stored duvet, it should be thoroughly cleaned or aired. Use dust-mite proof covers for pillows, mattresses and comforters. Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets once a week in heated water at 60 C. Use natural products like silk, cotton or feathers as they carry fewer dust-mites. Once a year buy a new pillow. Reduce extra blankets on the bed as dust mites grow better in dark humid environments.
Vacuum your mattress and use electric blankets to reduce the number of dust-mites in your bed. Sunshine or UV light also kills dust mites.
03 Clothing
Of course, also wash, clean or air out winter clothes before using them.
04 Air Filtration
Choose an air filter that has a small particle or HEPA filter, change filters frequently.
05 Heating/Cooling
In the cold season use radiators, avoid air-conditioning. If you use the air-conditioning, clean it once per month!
Article contributed by Dr. Michaela Baum, Otolaryngologist of Parkway.
