ACHOO! The rise of Autumn Sneezing Syndrome

AUTUMN allergies are becoming more common, leaving thousands with sneezing fits and runny noses, according to one expert.

This phenomenon, called ‘Autumn Sneezing Syndrome’, is said to be caused by changing pollen patterns as well as an invasive plant called ragweed.

Dr Adrian Morris, principal allergist at Surrey Allergy Clinic, said: ‘Usually you get hay fever starting with the tree pollens in March and April and then grass pollens from May to August, then that was the end of it for most people. But now we get people affected well into the autumn.’

Studies previously suggested only a small number of people got hay fever allergies during the autumn. This is because of increased levels of mould and fungal spores, often found in dead vegetable matter in gardens and woodlands including piles of rotting leaves, grass cuttings, compost heaps and garden sheds, according to charity Allergy UK.

But Dr Morris said the number of people affected was increasing, in part, due to allergic reactions caused by ragweed, which sheds its pollen later in the year than most plants.

Native to the US, the invasive yellow flowering shrub also known as ragwort has been spreading throughout Ireland since 1900 and is a common sight.

However, Dr Morris said the main reason why such a large amount of people were continuing to experience allergies long after the summer months was still unclear, emphasising it was a ‘reasonably new phenomenon’. Experts say there are remedies for the condition. According to Thomas Jacques from the London Nose And Sinus Clinic, a daily antihistamine, which can be bought from supermarkets, can be highly effective.

Mr Jacques added: ‘There are a lot of people out there suffering unnecessarily.’