HOW TO DEAL WITH AUTUMN ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA
As we welcome in the cooler months and enter the start of autumn – allergy and asthma sufferers around the country may be ‘breathing’ a sigh of relief when the weather gets colder and pollen counts decline.
But if you think your seasonal sniffles and runny eyes are merely a symptom of winter colds, you may want to think again. People who have autumn allergy and asthma problems often feel worse during the early autumn months.
CEO of the National Asthma Council Australia Kristine Whorlow says, “the end of summer doesn’t necessarily mean waving goodbye to allergies.
Common autumn allergy and asthma symptoms can include:
nasal stuffiness
sneezing
runny nose
itchy, watery, burning eyes
itchy mouth or throat
wheezing
coughing
difficulty breathing
tight feeling in the chest
The source of the problem
Many areas of Australia are experiencing the 2 most common sources of allergies: mould problems, and an annual autumn indoor dust mite population spike. Studies show that dust mite levels can increase two or three-fold during late autumn!
Mite be Dusty?
Consider this: Rugs, bedding, soft toys and woolen clothing are breeding grounds for dust mites. Ducted heating circulates fine allergic dust throughout the house. Houses with windows closed up all autumn/winter results in poor ventilation, as well as pets spending more time indoors and exposing pet allergens around the home.
Cold & Mould-y?
Consider this: Mould spores are another type of allergen that is most active during autumn months. Mould spores are a powerful allergen trigger to people who have allergic asthma with a sensitivity to mould. It can grow both inside and out. Since heat and humidity are highest in late summer/early autumn, that’s when mould spore levels are highest.
The most common types of mould that are asthma triggers are: alternaria, cladosporium and aspergillus.
Autumn Action Plan
If your allergies and asthma get worse in the autumn, don’t suffer – take action!
Vacuum and dust more during autumn and winter
Wash pillows and sheets weekly in hot water
Air doonas and blankets in the sun once a week
Watch out for mould and air the house regularly
Clean the filters on your air-conditioning/heater units
When indoors or in the car, keep windows closed and air-conditioning on
Don’t get too cozy with your pets
Don’t assume sniffles are the result of cold viruses
If you want to take even more preventative action in the lead up to the colder months, our Aware Sensitive Laundry Powder is a low allergy washing powder that avoids common additives like fragrances, optical brighteners, dyes and enzymes that can stick to your clothes and make your allergies worse. We are proudly approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia’s Sensitive Choice® program, so you know you’re making a better choice for sensitive skin, asthma and allergy sufferers, as well as the environment.