When we think of autumn, we think of cool crisp days, leaves changing colors, high school football games, and for some of us, the dreaded fall allergies.
People often connect seasonal allergies to just springtime. Local weather stations offer their daily tree pollen reports to us, and we begin the daily doses of allergy medications. However, in the fall, allergy sufferers are plagued by grasses and weeds. In most cases, it’s the dreaded ragweed.
During the late summer and early fall months, the main cause of allergic rhinitis comes from weed pollen. Where you live in the country can depend on the exposure, severity, and the length of the allergy symptoms. Some examples of weed pollens include: ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, tumbleweed, Russian thistle, burning bush, and mugwort.
Daily climate changes can be a factor in the severity of the pollen and its potency. For example, on dry and windy days, pollen numbers can go higher, bringing allergy sufferers pure misery. On days when it is rainy and damp, pollen numbers will drastically reduce. With the cycle just repeating itself once everything dries out.
Along with different grasses and weeds, mold is another pesky fall allergy. Molds can be found in large piles of wet leaves, that sit and rot.
Trying to avoid fall allergies is not exactly an easy task. Locking ourselves in our homes, avoiding the beautiful autumn scenery, and skipping the kids field-trip to the pumpkin patch is a near impossible idea for anyone. There are some tips that may help reduce the severity of fall allergies.
- Check the local pollen and mold counts on the daily weather report.
- Keep your windows and doors shut at home, especially on days when the pollen count is high.
- Shut the car windows and air vents when driving.
- Vacuum floors, surfaces, and furniture regularly, ideally with a pet-friendly vacuum cleaner designed to suck up dust, dander, mites, and other tiny particles.
- Take a shower and change your clothes after you’ve worked or played outdoors.
Lastly, we suggest that you talk with your healthcare provider about your specific symptoms and allergy concerns.
