Fall is the season of new beginnings, but at the same time, it can also be the season of allergies. Though the fall foliage may be visually stunning, other things that come along with this season may leave you with itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. Furthermore, the fall allergy season overlaps with the beginning of the cold and flu seasons, and with COVID-19 still going around it is important to identify what is, or is not, causing respiratory issues.
Why are Allergies worst in the Fall?
If you or your loved ones experience allergy symptoms this time of the year, you may be allergic to weed pollen, specifically ragweed. Ragweed grows throughout the U.S. but is most prevalent in the East and Midwest. It is one of the most allergenic of all pollens. Weed pollens start pollinating as early as August and can last until the first frost. Mold spores are another late summer/early fall allergy trigger. Although mold can grow year-round, outdoor mold levels tend to be higher in the late spring through early fall when the weather is warm and moist. As leaves begin to fall later in the season, they can compost and increase mold growth. Additionally, as temperatures cool, Arizonian residents spend more time indoors. For those sensitive to indoor allergens like dust, indoor mold, and pet dander, symptoms may be aggravated at home, school, or work.
Most Common Allergens
- Weed Pollen (Ragweed)
- Mold Spores
- Indoor Allergens (pet dander and dust mites)
How To Avoid Symptoms
- Be mindful of High Pollen Counts Track local pollen counts and curtail outdoor activities when the pollen count is high. Try to stay indoors if the pollen count is high. Keep your car and house windows closed and run the air conditioner.
- Wash Up Often People usually tend to spend time outside especially during autumn when the weather is nice. This also means that outdoor allergens might have stuck onto their clothes and hair. Once inside, it is important to change clothes and wash up to avoid spreading these allergy triggers throughout the house.
- Rake your Yard Often Keep your yard free of fallen leaves and other debris that may cause the growth of mold, and if you are allergic to mold spores, let someone else rake the leaves.
- Clean the house often Dust, mold, and pet dander are the most common indoor allergens that may trigger allergic symptoms, and with more time spent indoors, there is a great chance for these allergens to build p and cause a reaction. Be sure to clean living spaces including the living room, bedrooms, dens, and bathrooms.
- Start Allergy treatments Early If you are allergic, it is best to have a treatment plan in place before peak season. Allergic medications and therapies
work best when started in advance of symptoms. Once the doctors have diagnosed the allergic triggers through an allergic skin test,
an appropriate treatment plan will be recommended. Treatments may include:
- Medication and nasa Sprays
- Allergy Shots
- Allergy Drops
- Biological treatments for ashama and some skin conditions
Untreated allergies can lead to chronic sinus infection and for asthmatics, trigger an asthma attack.
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