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Fall Allergies: What to Know

Fall Allergies: What to Know

We usually associate allergies with the springtime, when flowers bloom and pollen count is high. Springtime allergies are well known, but fall allergies are just as serious and are less recognized. Fall allergy symptoms are similar to springtime allergies. The symptoms between springtime and fall allergies are no different from one another. Fall symptoms can include itchy nose and eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, headaches, rashes, hives, nasal congestion, itchy throat, and sneezing.

Causes of Fall allergies

There are a few things that can trigger fall allergy symptoms.

  • Ragweed pollen: Ragweed pollen is actually one of the most common triggers of fall seasonal allergies. Majority of people who are allergic to spring plants are also affected by ragweed. Even though ragweed may not be prevalent in the area you live, the ragweed pollen can travel hundreds of miles through the wind and air to trigger fall allergies.
  • Mold: Another cause of fall allergies is mold. Mold not only grows in damp, moist places in your home, but it can also grow on piles of wet leaves outside during this season. It is best to not leave piles of leaves outside and rack the leaves to dispose of as soon as possible to avoid mold growth. It is also a good idea to wipe your feet before going inside to not track mold into your home.
  • Dust mites: Notorious hiding places for dust mites are moist or humid places like furnaces and air filters. If dust mites are not removed by cleaning the air filters or furnaces, then the dust mites get circulated through the house to trigger allergies. It is important to regularly clean the air filters to reduce dust mites and prevent fall allergies.

Tips to reduce Fall allergies

Let’s take a look at some tips to help you manage your fall allergies. During the peak ragweed pollen times, you should stay in doors. The peak times are late morning to midday. You can further reduce fall allergies triggered by ragweed pollen by keeping doors and windows closed. You can stay up to date on the latest pollen counts by looking at local news reports and weather forecasts. Another way to avoid fall allergies is to keep the air in your home clean by vacuuming often and using a HEPA air filter to clean the air.

If you have any questions on fall allergies and if you may have them, give us a call at 805-658-9500. Our team of expert allergy specialists from Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group can help you.