Are you ready for a new bout of runny noses and itchy eyes? You better be because fall is just a couple of days away and can bring a whole new season of allergies with it. It is time to prep for fall allergies, by learning what symptoms to watch out for in yourself and your family.
Fall Allergies: What to Watch Out For
While you might be wondering why your nose is runny and you have a funny itchy throat when there is no pollen and no new blooms outside, remember that the triggers for fall allergies are different from other seasons. Ragweed is the culprit in most allergy attacks this season as it can thrive in humid conditions and create quite a havoc in your system all through fall.
Studies show that ragweed is one of the major allergens of the season and most people who suffer from pollen allergies can be impacted by ragweed too. The impact of ragweed pollen may start as early as in August and even if it does not grow in your neighborhood, the pollen can waft in the wind to as far as 100 miles.
This allergen remains effective all the way through October, making the fall allergy season quite a long one. It has also been noted that people with ragweed allergies tend to be very sensitive to melons, zucchini and bananas among other produce.
Along with ragweed, mold, mildew and dust mites may also be possible allergens to look out for this season as they can cause similar symptoms as ragweed. Mold thrives indoors and out and loves damp areas like under a pile of leaves. So, make sure you rake your leaves regularly to avoid the development of mold.
Dust mites that settle in your home during the hot and humid summer months typically spread through the home when you start using the heating system. Just like the other triggers, dust mites can also cause sneezing, runny nose and even wheezing in some. Schools are also breeding grounds for mold and dust mites because they have no foot traffic or activity of any kind during most of the summer months; the sudden activities that ensue when school reopens can trigger allergies in children and adults.
Common fall allergy symptoms:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Dark circles
- Itchy nose, eyes and throat
- Hay fever
Fall allergies may be diagnosed with the help of some skin and blood tests. Doctors typically use a small amount of the seasonal allergen on a small area of exposed skin, mildly irritate the skin and observe the reaction. A small bump or rash can point to an allergy, helping them determine the best course of treatment for your symptoms.
Common medications prescribed for fall allergies:
- Decongestants for relieving extreme nasal congestion
- Antihistamines to help suppress the constant sneezing and itching
- Immunotherapy (injections or oral medications)
- Sprays to relieve nasal inflammation
Tips to manage/prevent fall allergies:
- Make sure the vents and filters in your home are clean before you turn on the heat as cooler temperatures set in
- Install a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) in your heating/cooling system to filter out dust, pollen and other allergens
- Use a mask when cleaning out your vents or raking your leaves to avoid inhaling pollen, dust or mold spores
- Vacuum your home at least once a week to eliminate dust and pet dander
- Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean and dry to reduce the growth of mold and mildew
- Try to take a shower as soon as you get indoors from a long day outside
- Maintain 35 to 50 percent humidity inside your home with a dehumidifier
- Watch out for pollen reports in your area and try to stay indoors when the infestation is at its highest
With this new-found knowledge about fall allergy triggers, symptoms and tips to manage them, you should be all set to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall and the cool crisp air it brings with it.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
Four Things You Might Not Know About Fall Allergies. (2015, October 02). Retrieved from https://acaai.org/news/four-things-you-might-not-know-about-fall-allergies
How to Fight Fall Allergies (Sponsored). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/brandcast/how-to-fight-fall-allergies
Fall Allergies. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fall-allergy-relief#1
