As autumn arrives and the seasons shift towards winter, so do the sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes. But, a question that isn’t asked enough is, is it really another cold or are you suffering from autumn allergies?
Hay fever is usually associated with spring and summer, but allergic reactions can occur throughout the year and Autumn brings its own triggers like mould spores, dust mites and strong reactions to pet allergens. Surprisingly, your eyes and ears are able to provide the most useful cause about what’s causing your symptoms.
Cold or allergy? Your eyes may hold the answer
Colds and allergies share a lot of symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose and feeling congested. However, the causes of these have some important differences.
Colds typically improve within seven to ten days, though some of their symptoms may last longe, while allergies continue for weeks and return whenever you’re exposed to whatever caused it. For example, Itchy eyes are one of the strongest clues that you might be experiencing a reaction to an allergy, rather than just a cold. Your eyes are also one of the biggest giveaways too.
Allergic conjunctivitis commonly causes:
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Puffy or swollen eyelids
- A burning or gritty sensation
- Symptoms affecting both eyes
Colds can cause watery eyes, and viral conjunctivitis is sometimes accompanied by respiratory infections. However, pronounced itching is a symptom that is particularly characteristic of allergies.
Why are autumn allergies so common?
After summer, pollen levels decline, but other allergens become more common and more troublesome. House dust mites live in bedding, carpets and your soft furnishings and by turning your homes central heating on, and closing windows, means less ventilation and increased exposure their allergens. This can also cause an increase in mould spores, which flourish in damp conditions, and as we spend more time inside, pet allergens can become more concentrated.
These can all trigger autumn hay fever symptoms, which include sneezing, nasal congestion and allergic conjunctivitis.
Can autumn allergies cause blocked ears?
Yes, allergies don’t just affect your nose and eyes. They can also affect your ears too. The Eustachian tubes that connect your middle ears to the back of your nose can become swollen or irritated by the allergens all year round.
Symptoms may include:
- Blocked or full ears
- Popping or crackling sensations
- Muffled hearing
- Mild ear discomfort
Colds can cause similar problems, so blocked ears alone don’t mean a reaction to an allergy, but persistent symptoms should be assessed, and any sudden hearing loss should be urgently checked.
How to relieve itchy eyes and autumn allergy symptoms
The first step should be to try and reduce your exposure to the allergens causing your symptoms. This should make the biggest difference. Regularly washing your bedding, vacuuming carpets and damp dusting your surfaces all help, along with keeping good ventilation and managing indoor moisture can help reduce mould too.
While it’s nice to let your pets relax in you bedroom, keeping them out helps maintain where the fur grows and gives you a clean space to sleep.
A pharmacist can help advise on antihistamines and suitable nasal treatments. For itchy, and watery eyes caused by allergies, lubricating eye drops can help manage and soothe the irritation, and you can always speak with your optometrist for more advice.
You should always try and avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they’re particularly itchy. A Cool compress can help, and if you wear contact lenses, you should swap to your glasses till your eyes return to normal.
When should you seek professional advice?
Although autumn allergies can be common, persistent red or watery eyes shouldn’t be automatically assumed as symptoms of hay fever. Eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light or changes in your vision should be assessed by a optometrist quickly, and the same can be said for persistent blocked ears and hearing difficulty.
At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, our experienced optometrists and hearing care professionals can assess eye and hearing concerns and advise on appropriate next steps.
Don’t let autumn allergies spoil your enjoyment of the season. Looking after your eyes and ears is important all year round.
