At Breath N Health Clinic, Dr. A. K. Srivastav frequently sees a rise in patients with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma flare-ups between October and January. Understanding what causes these allergies — and when to seek medical care — can prevent chronic symptoms and improve quality of life.
Why Allergies Flare Up in Late Autumn and Early Winter
- Airborne Dust and Pollen: As vegetation dries and leaves shed, fine dust and pollen particles become airborne.
- Drop in Humidity: Dry air irritates the nasal passages and throat, making them more sensitive to allergens.
- Indoor Exposure: Closed windows, use of heaters, and indoor dust mites can worsen symptoms.
- Air Pollution: Rising pollution and smog during this period increase respiratory irritation.
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies typically affect the nose, eyes, and airways. Watch for:
- Repeated sneezing or nasal congestion
- Runny or itchy nose
- Watery, red, or itchy eyes
- Scratchy throat or dry cough
- Fatigue or poor sleep from blocked nose
- Wheezing or breathlessness (in asthmatic individuals)
If these symptoms persist beyond two weeks or keep returning every season, medical evaluation is recommended.
Allergy vs. Cold — How to Tell the Difference
- Feature
- Cause
- Duration
- Fever
- Sneezing & Itching
- Mucus
- Recurrence
- Common Cold
- Virus infection
- 5–7 days
- Common
- Mild
- Thick, yellowish
- Occasional
- Seasonal Allergy
- Immune reaction to allergens
- Can last weeks or months
- Rare
- Prominent
- Clear, watery
- Often seasonal, repeated yearly
If your symptoms follow a predictable seasonal pattern, it’s more likely an allergy than a viral cold.
Diagnosis — Getting to the Root Cause
1. Detailed Medical History
Understanding symptom patterns, timing, and environmental triggers helps pinpoint likely allergens.
2. Allergy Testing (if needed)
Skin-prick or blood tests may be recommended to confirm specific allergens like dust mites, molds, or pollen.
3. Lung Function Tests
For patients with breathlessness or chronic cough, spirometry helps detect asthma or COPD overlap.
Managing Seasonal Allergies Effectively
- Keep windows closed on windy days.
- Use an air purifier during high-pollution days.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Avoid drying clothes outdoors during high-pollen periods.
- Antihistamines relieve sneezing and itching.
- Nasal steroid sprays reduce inflammation.
- Inhalers help if asthma or wheezing accompanies allergies.
- Always use these under medical supervision — not self-medication.
- Stay hydrated and maintain good nasal hygiene.
- Try steam inhalation to clear airways.
- Include vitamin C-rich foods (amla, oranges, guava) to boost immunity.
- Quit smoking — it worsens nasal and bronchial inflammation.
- Use masks when cleaning dusty areas.
- Keep pets well-groomed if pet dander is a trigger.
When to See a Doctor
- Symptoms lasting more than 10–14 days
- Repeated sinus infections or ear block
- Breathlessness, chest tightness, or wheezing
- Poor response to over-the-counter allergy medicines
Expert Insight from Ranchi
- Monitor daily AQI (Air Quality Index) before outdoor activities.
- Maintain good hydration and balanced nutrition.
- Keep indoor humidity moderate — too dry or too damp air worsens symptoms.
- Schedule periodic health check-ups, especially if you have asthma or chronic sinusitis.
Conclusion
Autumn and winter allergies may seem unavoidable, but with awareness and timely management, you can breathe comfortably all season long.
At Breath N Health Clinic, Ranchi, Dr. A. K. Srivastav provides comprehensive allergy diagnosis, respiratory
evaluation, and long-term treatment plans — helping patients identify triggers, strengthen immunity, and lead
symptom-free lives.