For many people, spring is the season of sneezing and watery eyes, but late summer and early autumn can be just as challenging for those with allergies.
Dr. Mariam Hanna, an allergist and immunologist, and assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University, explains why this time of year can be particularly difficult.
The main culprit is ragweed, a plant that produces enormous amounts of pollen. Just one ragweed plant can release up to a billion grains of pollen in a single season, making it a major trigger for allergies.
“People who are allergic to ragweed are incredibly sensitive to it. With pollen counts being so high during late summer and early autumn, allergy sufferers really feel the impact,” says Dr. Hanna.
She notes that ragweed allergies typically affect people in their late teens and adult years, causing symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy throat, and even coughing.
But ragweed isn’t the only problem during this time of year. Depending on where you live, other weeds like sagebrush, pigweed, and lamb’s quarters can also contribute to allergy symptoms.
As the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, other allergens like mold, pet dander, and dust mites can become problematic.
“When we all move indoors, we see a surge in indoor allergens, especially from dust mites and household pets. Mold spores also start to appear during warm, humid days in late summer and continue through the fall,” Dr. Hanna explains.
Managing allergies is important, as about 20% to 25% of the Canadian population is affected by them. Dr. Hanna emphasizes the importance of getting a proper diagnosis to effectively manage symptoms.
“There are many treatment options available, depending on how severe your symptoms are. These include medications and immunotherapy,” she says.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps retrain your immune system to reduce its allergic response. “The goal of immunotherapy is not only to provide relief during allergy season but also to create long-term tolerance, so you need less medication and continue to feel better even after treatment is completed,” Dr. Hanna adds.
In April 2024, researchers at McMaster University introduced the first-ever guidelines to help families prepare for oral immunotherapy, a treatment designed to build tolerance to common food allergens.
This development highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those affected by allergies, particularly during challenging seasons like late summer and early autumn.
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