Sniffles and symptoms that could be mistaken for a winter virus such as Covid or flu may in fact be caused by something else, according to a pharmacist. Well Pharmacy’s deputy superintendent George Sandhu said pollen allergies are persisting into the autumn as seasons get longer.
He explained: “Warmer temperatures mean longer growing seasons, so the intensity of pollen counts is higher than in previous decades. Higher carbon dioxide levels are not just warming the planet but the gas is acting as fertiliser for plants and boosting pollen production.”
Milder winters are also allowing some plants to produce pollen earlier in spring and for longer into the autumn, Mr Sandhu said.
He added: “Late summer also sees a shift from higher levels of weed pollen to increased indoor mould, leaf mould, and dust mites which all reach their peak in autumn.
“Combining mould and dust mite peaks with damp autumn conditions means people with allergies now face a much longer ‘high-risk window’ each year.”
The pharmacist explained the three main types of allergens:
- Weed pollen, including ragweed, mugwort, plantain, nettle, dock, goosefoot and sorrel.
- Mould spores which thrive in damp, milk autumn conditions and can be found in rotting leaves, compost heaps and soil, as well as bathrooms, kitchens and other damp areas.
- House dust mites found in bedding, carpets, soft toys and fabrics.
Mr Sandhu said: “Antihistamines will relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itching (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine).
“You can also try nasal corticosteroid sprays that reduce inflammation and congestion like fluticasone and mometasone.
“Decongestants can provide short-term relief for a blocked nose, but note they are not for long-term use.
“Alternatively saline sprays or rinses help to clear allergens from nasal passages, and eye drops will soothe itchy, watery eyes.”