Tips For Managing Allergies In The Fall

Along with cooler weather and changing leaves, plants release pollen into the air allowing molds to grow outdoor in locations that contain moisture. These transformations trigger fall allergies, as any change in weather triggers allergies in general. Allergy season’s main components are ragweed, mold, and dust mites. Ragweed is a member of the daisy family and it contains yellow-green flowers. These plants produce great amounts of pollen every day. About 75% of people in the United States are allergic to ragweed, which is why allergies are such a major problem when ragweed releases pollen in the fall.

Mold is defined as the growth of fungal hyphae that occurs typically in moist conditions on organic matter. It’s located both outdoors and indoors, and spreads lightweight spores that travel through the air. It’s prominent during the fall time because piles of wet leaves serve as breeding grounds for mold spores. Dust mites are small insects that are well adapted inside houses, feeding on tiny flakes of human skin. These tiny pieces of shedded skin fall onto furniture, where dust mites thrive. They cause problems with allergies because they leave their dead bodies and waste behind, enabling humans to breathe them in and trigger sneezing.

Symptoms of fall allergies

There are multiple and various symptoms of allergies that may differ from person to person. But the main symptoms include and are not limited to runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, upset stomach, asthma, coughing, itchy eyes and noise. Additionally, other symptoms may include dark circles under the eyes, itchy throat, itchy skin, and dry skin or hives. These symptoms my be severe or minor, and one person may have all symptoms while a different person may only have one or two of them.

Treating fall allergies

There are multiple ways to treat allergies in the fall. You may be prescribed medications from a doctor like Dr. Summit Shah, or you may purchase over-the-counter medications. Steroid nasal sprays help reduce inflammation in your nose. Antihistamines stop your sneezing and itching. Decongestants relieve stuffiness and dry up the mucus in your nose and throat. Immunotherapy relieves symptoms by way of either allergy shots or oral tablets. And decongestant nasal sprays help to decongest your nose and throat while also clearing away your mucus.

Managing your allergy symptoms

In addition to taking allergy medications, there are additional measures that could be taken to both relieve your symptoms and prevent your allergies from disimproving. You’re advised to stay indoors with all windows and doors closed in order for limited pollen to come into contact with you. Avoid going outdoors when the pollen levels are too high. Clean your heating vents and change the filters. HEPA filters are advised because they help remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air. Also, using an air conditioner and a dehumidifier aid in keeping the air moisture-free.

Overall, wearing protective clothing can prevent you from receiving allergy symptoms. By wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, you’re limiting the amount of pollen that can come into contact with your skin. If you’re participating in outdoor activities, then wear a mask to prevent inhaling pollen. In order to prevent allergies from getting too severe, it’s recommended that you start taking allergy medication a few weeks before allergy season. Above all, the number one recommendation is to see your allergist, like Dr. Summit Shah. By seeing your allergist, you can be provided with a personal treatment plan since they are trained to identify allergies as well as give treatments.