ACHOO! The rise of Autumn Sneezing Syndrome – which is leaving thousands with sneezing fits and runny noses, according to experts

Fall allergies are becoming increasingly common, causing thousands of people to suffer from sneezing fits and runny noses, according to experts.

This phenomenon, called Autumn Sneezing Syndrome, is caused by changing pollen patterns and by an invasive plant called ragweed.

‘Usually you get hay fever starting with the tree pollen in March and April and then the grass pollen from May to August, then it was over for most people,’ says Dr Adrian Morris, lead allergist at the Surrey Allergy Clinic.

“But now we’re getting people affected well into the fall.” Previous research suggested that only a small number of people developed hay fever allergies in the fall.

According to the charity Allergy UK, these were caused by elevated levels of mold and fungal spores, which are often found in dead plant material in gardens and woodlands, including piles of rotting leaves, grass clippings, compost heaps and garden sheds. But Dr Morris said the number of people affected increased partly due to allergic reactions caused by ragweed, which sheds its pollen later in the year than most plants.

‘Usually you get hay fever, starting with the tree pollen in March and April and then the grass pollen from May to August, and then it was over for most people,’ says Dr Adrian Morris, lead allergist at the Surrey Allergy Clinic (Stock Image) . )

The invasive shrub, native to the US, has spread across Europe and is present in Britain, although it remains relatively rare.

Dr. However, Morris said the main reason why such a large number of people continued to experience allergies long after the summer months was still unclear, stressing it was a “fairly new phenomenon”.

One person who has experienced Autumn Sneezing Syndrome is Margaret Kennedy from Fife, who says her attacks are so severe they hurt her. “I sneezed ten times in a row,” she said. ‘I have a box of tissues in every room of the house, while my nose drips profusely.’ Experts say there are cures for the condition.

According to Thomas Jacques, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at the London Nose And Sinus Clinic, a daily antihistamine, which can be purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies, can be very effective for treating Autumn Sneezing Syndrome.

He also recommended nasal steroid sprays, which can be taken alongside antihistamines.

Mr Jacques added: ‘There are many people who are suffering unnecessarily because they are not aware that there are things available in the shops that can help.’