Fall allergies can worsen cough, sneezing and asthma symptoms

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TÜRKİYE — Fall allergies can become more visible as temperatures drop and exposure to pollen, mold spores and indoor allergens changes, increasing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Prof. Dr. Gülfidan Çakmak from the Department of Chest Diseases at Daviva Avcılar Hospital said that not every runny nose or cough in autumn should automatically be considered an infection, noting that allergic disease should also be evaluated.

Why allergies may rise in fall

Although allergies are often associated with spring, autumn can also be a difficult season for sensitive individuals. Weather changes, humidity, fallen leaves, weed pollen and longer time spent indoors can all contribute to respiratory symptoms.

According to Çakmak, the pattern of fall allergies may vary depending on the region’s climate, vegetation and the specific allergen to which a person is sensitive. This means two people may experience different symptoms even during the same season.

Sneezing and nasal congestion are common

Weed pollen is among the important airborne allergens in autumn. Depending on the region, some weed pollens may remain in the air from late summer into fall.

People sensitive to these pollens may experience typical allergic rhinitis symptoms, including repeated sneezing, itchy nose, watery and clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and tearing.

Mold is another important fall allergen. Damp environments, piles of fallen leaves and decaying organic material can increase mold spores outdoors. Breathing in these spores may trigger allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms in sensitive people.

Indoor allergens may also increase

As the weather cools, people spend more time indoors and homes may be ventilated less often. This can increase exposure to dust mites, pet dander and indoor mold.

In some patients, symptoms that begin with outdoor pollen exposure may continue because of indoor allergens. Public health guidance also lists pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander among common asthma triggers (CDC).

Cough and shortness of breath need attention

There is a strong relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma. The upper and lower airways are closely connected both functionally and immunologically.

For this reason, a patient with allergic rhinitis who also has recurring cough, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath should not be evaluated only for upper airway disease. Çakmak said asthma should also be considered in such cases.

Nighttime cough, exercise-related breathing difficulty, repeated wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest are symptoms that should be taken seriously.

Allergy or infection?

Fall allergies and viral upper respiratory infections can be confused. In allergic rhinitis, watery and clear nasal discharge, repeated sneezing, itching in the nose and eyes, tearing and the absence of fever are more prominent.

Viral infections, on the other hand, more often include sore throat, fatigue, fever, thicker nasal discharge and symptoms that begin over a few days and then gradually improve.

However, these distinctions are not always definitive. Allergy and infection can also occur at the same time in the same person.

Measures that may reduce attacks

The basic approach in allergic diseases is to reduce exposure to triggering allergens where possible and control symptoms with appropriate medical treatment.

During periods of high pollen exposure, planning outdoor activities carefully, changing clothes after returning home and washing hair may help reduce exposure for some patients.

Indoors, humidity control, proper ventilation, prevention of mold growth and environmental measures targeting the person’s specific allergen are important. Still, environmental measures alone may not fully control symptoms in every patient.

Diagnosis guides the treatment plan

For patients presenting with fall allergy symptoms, the first step is to assess whether symptoms are seasonal and whether they are linked to specific triggers.

Doctors may then need to distinguish allergic rhinitis from asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, viral infections and other respiratory diseases.

If shortness of breath, repeated wheezing, nighttime symptoms or exercise-related respiratory complaints are present, objective evaluation for asthma may be needed. Depending on clinical necessity, spirometry, bronchodilator reversibility testing, FeNO and allergy assessments may be used.

Çakmak said identifying the correct allergen, reducing exposure, investigating possible asthma and planning appropriate treatment are important for symptom control, quality of life and prevention of lower airway flare-ups.

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