What is in the air in August? Mugwort and late-summer allergens in Szczecin

August is the second, often underestimated wave of the allergy season. Grasses are slowly fading, but their place is taken by weeds — led by mugwort — and by mould fungal spores, which are then at their highest of the year. For many allergy sufferers this is a harder time than spring.

In brief

• Main allergen of August: mugwort — the strongest weed allergen.
• In addition: ragweed (increasingly common in Poland), goosefoot, nettle, the tail end of the grasses.
• Mould fungi: Alternaria and Cladosporium at peak concentrations.
• Typical symptoms: hay fever, sneezing, itchy eyes, cough, and asthma in some people; cross-reactions with foods are possible.
• How to cope: avoid wasteland and roadsides, air your home after rain, and if symptoms keep returning, get tested.

What is pollinating in August — the main allergens

Mugwort

Common mugwort is the most important allergen of late summer. It pollinates from the end of July and peaks in August. It grows on wasteland, along roads, railway tracks, ditches and on the outskirts of cities — also in many places in Szczecin and the surrounding area. Symptoms include hay fever, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, cough, and asthma in sensitive people.

Mugwort causes cross-reactions with foods — after eating celery, carrot, spices (caraway, coriander, anise) or some herbs, some allergic people experience symptoms. It also cross-reacts with ragweed.

Ragweed

Common ragweed is a very strong allergen, still relatively new in Poland but spreading. It pollinates from August to September. Even a small concentration of its pollen can cause strong symptoms.

Goosefoot and nettle

In August goosefoot (lamb's quarters) and nettle also pollinate. Goosefoot can be a significant allergen, nettle rather a weak one, but both are very common on wasteland.

Not only pollen — mould fungi

August is the peak of Alternaria and Cladosporium concentrations. They cause allergy especially on warm, humid days and near mown meadows and rotting plants. Symptoms resemble pollen allergy, but can be more persistent — with weakness, headaches and poorer concentration. It is an important allergen especially for people with asthma.

How to ease allergy symptoms in August

• Avoid wasteland, roadsides and mown meadows at the peak of mugwort pollination.
• Air your home after rain, limit airing on dry, windy days.
• Shower and change clothes when you get home.
• Do not dry laundry outdoors.
• Consider a pollen filter in the car and an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the bedroom.

If late-summer symptoms return every year, it is worth finding out whether you are allergic to mugwort, ragweed or moulds. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we perform allergy tests for a wide panel of allergens — painlessly, with the result right away — and we offer bioresonance desensitisation. Every body reacts differently, so if symptoms are strong, it is also worth consulting an allergist.

Frequently asked questions

What pollinates the most in August?

Mugwort — the strongest weed allergen. It is accompanied by ragweed, goosefoot and nettle, as well as high concentrations of the mould fungi Alternaria and Cladosporium.

Is mugwort allergy linked to reactions to food?

Yes. Mugwort causes cross-reactions with, among others, celery, carrot and spices (caraway, coriander, anise). In some people symptoms appear after eating them.

Why can August be worse than spring?

Because mugwort, ragweed and the peak of mould fungi overlap. For many allergy sufferers this is the most troublesome part of the season. Book tests: 519 055 858.