Fall Allergies: What You Need to Know
Fall is a beautiful time of year, with its vibrant colors and crisp air. But for many people, fall also brings allergies.
Allergies are caused by your body’s reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen. When you breathe in pollen, your body produces antibodies to fight it off. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat.
Pollen in the Fall
Pollen is the most common trigger of fall allergies. It is released by weeds, which are plants that grow wild and have flowers that are not showy. The most common type of weed that causes fall allergies is ragweed. Ragweed pollen is very light and can travel long distances in the wind.
Fall Allergy Plants
In addition to ragweed, there are several other plants that can cause fall allergies. These include:
- Goldenrod
- Sheep’s sorrel
- Curly dock
- Lambsquarter
- Pigweed
- Cedar elm
- Sagebrush
- Mugwort
- Russian thistle (aka tumbleweed)
- Cocklebur
Mold
Mold is another common trigger of fall allergies. Mold grows in damp places, such as leaf piles and compost heaps. When you breathe in mold spores, it can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Symptoms of Fall Allergies
The symptoms of fall allergies can vary from person to person. Some people may only have mild symptoms, such as a runny nose and itchy eyes. Others may have more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and wheezing.
Treatment for Fall Allergies
There are a number of things you can do to treat fall allergies, including:
- Avoiding exposure to allergens
- Taking over-the-counter allergy medications
- Using a nasal spray
- Getting allergy shots
Preventing Fall Allergies
There are a few things you can do to prevent fall allergies, including:
- Staying indoors on days when the pollen count is high
- Wearing a mask when you are outdoors
- Showering and changing your clothes after being outdoors
- Keeping your windows and doors closed
- Using a HEPA filter in your home
If you have fall allergies, it is important to see a doctor to get the best treatment for your symptoms.
Additional Tips for Managing Fall Allergies
- Rake your leaves regularly to reduce mold growth.
- Avoid mowing your lawn on days when the pollen count is high.
- Keep your windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high.
- Use a HEPA filter in your home to remove allergens from the air.
- Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors.
- Wash your bedding in hot water once a week.
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose.
- Get regular exercise to boost your immune system.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
