Bonfire Night Preparation
Bonfire Night Preparation: Managing Allergy Symptoms During Seasonal Outdoor Events
In the UK, early November brings one of the most traditional dates on the calendar: Bonfire Night, celebrated on 5 November with bonfires, firework displays and outdoor gatherings. For those living with allergic rhinitis, however, the autumn air can present additional challenges. Cold, damp weather may increase the presence of mould spores, while smoke from bonfires and fireworks may further irritate the nose and eyes.
With a few simple precautions, it may be possible to enjoy the festivities while keeping nasal and eye symptoms under control.
How Autumn Influences Allergic Rhinitis
During autumn, the air tends to carry a higher concentration of mould spores, microscopic particles released by fungi that grow on damp leaves and piles of decaying vegetation. These spores may trigger rhinitis symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, even in people who are not usually sensitive to spring pollen.
Fungal spores, including Alternaria and Cladosporium, peak in July and August and continue with airborne spores in September and October. Falling temperatures and typical autumn humidity may also contribute to higher allergen levels, particularly in parks and wooded areas where many Bonfire Night celebrations take place.
Common Symptoms During Outdoor Events
The most frequent allergic rhinitis symptoms in open-air settings may include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching and watery eyes. For some, eye irritation may also cause redness and mild swelling of the eyelids.
Symptoms usually appear soon after exposure to cold air, smoke or airborne allergens and may worsen in crowded areas or where air circulation is limited.
Smoke Exposure
Not every nasal or eye reaction during Bonfire Night is caused by an allergy. Bonfire smoke contains fine particles and gases that may irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes, even in people without an allergic background. Fireworks release harmful pollutants into the air that can inflame your lungs, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. When set off, these different gases can linger in the air for hours and when breathed in, can irritate your airways.
For those who already have rhinitis, this irritation may intensify symptoms, leading to nasal obstruction and eye discomfort. Air can stay polluted for several hours after a firework display or a bonfire, especially if it's a still night with no wind to blow pollution away.
It is therefore important to distinguish between an allergic reaction, triggered by allergens such as mould, and irritation caused by smoke and pollution. In both cases, preparation and awareness may help reduce the impact.
Strategies for a More Comfortable Celebration
These steps may help reduce exposure to allergens and irritants, potentially lowering the risk of prolonged symptoms in the days following the celebration.
Before going out:
- Check the weather forecast: damp and windy evenings tend to increase spore dispersion
- If possible, perform a nasal rinse with saline solution before the event to help clear trapped particles
During the event:
- Keep a safe distance from bonfires and smoky areas
- Avoid standing close to people handling fireworks or combustible materials
- If the air is very cold, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to help warm and moisten the air you breathe
- Choose open areas with good natural ventilation
After the event:
- Change clothes as soon as you get home and, if possible, take a shower to remove smoke and particles from your hair and skin
- Rinse your nose again with saline solution to relieve discomfort and clear your airways
Symptom Management and Treatment Options
Allergic rhinitis (e.g. hay fever) causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes when exposed to environmental allergens. To relieve nasal and eye symptoms when they occur, saline solutions and, for some individuals, antihistamines may be useful under medical guidance.
Histallay is a treatment option for managing allergic rhinitis symptoms that may occur during seasonal activities such as Bonfire Night. Taking the medicine as directed will support appropriate symptom management when symptoms appear, always following guidance from healthcare professionals.
Important Note: Histallay is indicated exclusively for allergic rhinitis and is not indicated for urticaria or other skin-related allergic reactions.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If symptoms persist for several days, interfere with sleep or affect daily activities, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Emergency situations - such as sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing, or a tight sensation in the throat - require immediate medical attention, as they may indicate a severe allergic reaction.
People with lung conditions are often warned about the risks of smoke from bonfires, but they also need to think about the risks of fireworks, which release smoke and lots of different chemicals.
