Protection from Autumn Allergies Is Possible

Protecting Yourself from Fall Allergies Allergic reactions increase during autumn months, causing various aches and fatigue in many people. As the body's contact with allergens increases, so do the problems. Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk, Chest Diseases Specialist at Acıbadem International Hospital, notes that a significant increase in allergic diseases has been observed in recent years as a result of global warming. Öztürk explains: "Global warming, one of the most important threats to our world, is of particular concern to allergic patients. With the effects of global warming, autumn months will increasingly be referred to as allergy season. It should be investigated whether unexplained fatigue and body aches are rooted in allergies." Öztürk explains 10 ways to protect against fall allergies and offers important warnings and recommendations.

Can Cause Loss of Smell

Allergy is defined as an excessive reaction by the immune system to a food or foreign substances such as pollen, dust mites, and cat hair. Red, itchy eyes, nasal itching, congestion, discharge and sneezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, itching throughout the body, hives and rashes indicate allergies. Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk also notes that allergies can lead to loss of smell. Regarding loss of smell, which is also among the symptoms of Covid-19, he points out the most important difference that distinguishes them. Öztürk states: "In Covid-19, loss of smell is sudden. In allergic diseases, loss of smell increases gradually. Furthermore, there is never high fever in allergic nasal symptoms."

Wild Plant Pollens Are Effective

Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk points out that the pollens that become prominent in autumn belong to wild plants. Öztürk says that changes in air humidity alter the amounts of mold fungi and dust mites. Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk, explaining that after allergen contact, a chemical substance called histamine is released from the respiratory tract through the nose, throat, and bronchi in the lower respiratory tract, and that histamine causes reactions in allergic individuals, states: "The more a person encounters the allergen to which their body reacts, the more problems they experience. Since chemicals like histamine can cause fatigue and widespread body aches, it would be appropriate to investigate allergies in cases of unexplained fatigue and body pain."

Ragweed Threat Spreading

Noting that ragweed leads the wild plant pollens causing serious allergic attacks with autumn, and that ragweed has become widespread in our country over the last 10 years causing problems, Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk states: "According to the European Union Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020 report, warm autumn weather (global warming) extends the amount of ragweed in the atmosphere and its spread duration. Thus, people previously allergic to ragweed will face it as if they have encountered a new and powerful enemy. This very potent allergen can increase their sensitivities and consequently their illness. The seeds and pollen of this plant live for decades. Since its spread is very rapid, combating ragweed is extremely difficult. Therefore, global warming, one of the most important threats to our world, has proven to be of great importance for allergic patients as well. With the effects of global warming, autumn months will increasingly be referred to as allergy season."

These Measures Are Effective Against Allergies!

Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nur Kaşkır Öztürk explains 10 effective measures against allergies:

• Avoiding spending time outdoors as much as possible during the period when pollens to which individuals are sensitive are spread,
• Ventilating the kitchen while cooking,
• Avoiding grassy areas and fallen leaves,
• Reducing indoor plants,
• Using specially woven covers for pillows, duvets, and bedding,
• Washing bed sheets weekly at 60 degrees Celsius,
• Using wooden flooring instead of carpets,
• Not drying laundry outdoors,
• Always changing clothes upon coming indoors,
• Washing hair and body before bed.