What is pollinating in October? Autumn allergens in Szczecin

October is when the pollen season practically comes to an end. The last weeds are losing strength, but moulds are still present in the air, and with the heating season household allergens return — dust mites and moulds inside homes.

In brief

• Main allergens in October: moulds (on fallen leaves), house dust mites, indoor moulds.
• In warm summers: a last bit of ragweed and nettle pollen is possible.
• Typical symptoms: runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, itchy eyes — increasingly "household" in origin, worse in the morning.
• What helps: limit contact with rotting leaves, keep your bedroom clean and watch the humidity at home.

What triggers allergies in October

Moulds

Damp autumn weather and piles of fallen leaves are an ideal environment for Alternaria and Cladosporium fungi. Their spores can trigger allergies long after the pollen season has ended, especially in people with asthma.

House dust mites

When the heating comes on and we spend more time at home, dust mites become a relevant allergen again. The symptoms — runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing — can be present around the clock and are worse in the morning.

The last weeds

In warm summers, a little ragweed and nettle pollen may still linger at the beginning of October, but its importance declines quickly.

How to ease symptoms in October

• Avoid raking and piles of leaves without protection if you are allergic to moulds.
• Wash bedding at 60°C, vacuum regularly (HEPA filter) and air your bedroom.
• Control humidity in the bathroom and kitchen to limit household moulds.
• Air your home after rain, when there are fewer residual allergens in the air.

If your symptoms do not go away even though the pollen season has ended, you are probably allergic to moulds or dust mites. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we carry out allergy tests that also cover these allergens — painless, with the result right away. Every body reacts differently, so if your symptoms are severe it is also worth consulting an allergist.

Frequently asked questions

Can you have a pollen allergy in autumn?

There is very little pollen left. Autumn symptoms are usually caused by moulds and dust mites, not plant pollen.

Why did my symptoms come back when the heating went on?

Because dry, warm air and more time spent at home increase contact with dust mites and dust. It is a typical autumn–winter scenario.

When should I have tests?

Autumn is a good time — you are outside the pollen season, and the result will help you prepare for spring. We carry out tests at AGAMED all year round. Book a visit: 519 055 858.