People with allergies to weeds and mold fungi may experience an exacerbation of symptoms even in the fall, immunologist Alexandra Soboleva warned in an interview with RT.
“Until the onset of cold weather, the air continues to contain pollen from weeds: most often, people have an allergic reaction in the autumn period to ragweed pollen in the southern regions and to wormwood in the northern regions. Other herbs can also cause allergy symptoms: nettle, goosefoot, quinoa,” the SberZdorovye doctor clarified.
According to her, this pollen will also settle on the ground along with fallen leaves, which will also provide conditions for the life of mold fungi, the spores of which are not visible to the naked eye.
“But their concentration is maximum until the air temperature drops below -10 °C. Humidity and the greenhouse effect in fallen leaves will maintain a favorable environment for the reproduction of these organisms. Fungal spores cannot rise higher than half a meter in the air, but when in contact with foliage during photo shoots or during games that involve throwing leaves up, they easily rise much higher and can cause various allergy symptoms in people predisposed to this, getting on the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract,” the RT interlocutor warned.
According to her, such symptoms may include coughing, runny nose, sneezing, itching in the eyes or nose.
“In order to avoid the manifestation of symptoms, people who are allergic to plant pollen should definitely have the medications previously prescribed by an allergist-immunologist. For example, a doctor may recommend taking antihistamines or glucocorticosteroids – both local action, for example for the mucous membranes of the nose or eyes, and systemic action – in the form of tablets, drops and syrups for oral administration,” the expert said.
She stressed that people diagnosed with bronchial asthma need to have a first aid inhaler with them, which contains a bronchodilator and a glucocorticosteroid, also previously prescribed by a doctor.
“To avoid the appearance of symptoms while already at home, it is worth taking a shower upon returning, and be sure to wash your clothes,” Soboleva concluded.
Earlier, Professor Irina Kondratenko, Doctor of Medical Sciences, allergist-immunologist at the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital of the Russian Ministry of Health, spoke with RT about the manifestations of allergies to pets and how to combat them.
