Health
Seasonal allergy alert in Korea: How to protect yourself from fall allergic rhinitis
haps Magazine Korea
October 9, 2025
(Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
As temperatures fluctuate and the air becomes drier during the changing seasons, cases of allergic rhinitis tend to spike — especially in autumn.
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, more people suffer from rhinitis in September and October than in the spring months of April and May, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and preventive care.
Experts explain that sudden temperature changes make the respiratory system more sensitive, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or pollen enter the nasal passages and trigger inflammation.
Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, often accompanied by itching in the nose, throat, eyes, or ears. Unlike a common cold, allergic rhinitis rarely causes fever and tends to persist for more than a week.
Left untreated, allergic rhinitis can interfere with daily life and, in children and adolescents, lead to learning difficulties, reduced physical activity, or sleep disturbances. Identifying the triggers and aggravating factors early is key to effective prevention and management.
Health officials recommend a few simple but effective daily habits for prevention:
Keep indoor spaces clean and wear a mask on days with heavy air pollution.
Identify and avoid allergens through medical testing.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Wash hands frequently to prevent colds.
Continue proven and safe treatments consistently under medical supervision.
The Seoul Atopy & Asthma Education Information Center offers free consultations on allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other allergy-related diseases with allergy specialists and nurses. Citizens can receive counseling by phone (1577-7581) or online at atopyinfocenter.co.kr.
The center also hosts weekly online education sessions every Wednesday at 11 a.m., and provides anaphylaxis emergency response training for schools and childcare centers.