Your nose is running, your eyes are watering, you’re stuffy and congested…it must be fall! With its colorful trees and cooler temperatures, fall is a favorite season for many people. But if you’re prone to seasonal like 35 million Americans, it can also be an agonizing time of year.
Let’s examine what causes fall allergies, common symptoms, and how to treat them.
What are the most common causes of fall allergies?
- Ragweed – This wild plant grows in nearly every part of the country. The higher the pollen count, the worse your symptoms can be. Ragweed pollen typically ends when temperatures drop and frost develops. In the South, ragweed can cause irritation into the winter months.
- Mold – Outdoor molds found in soil, composts, and leaves also cause fall allergies. Like ragweed, molds cause the most irritation until the first frost.
- Weeds and plants – Other weeds and plants that trigger allergies include grass, goldenrod, pigweed, sagebrush, and curly dock.
Learn More: What Causes Seasonal Allergies and How to Alleviate Them?
What are the most common allergy symptoms?
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy nose and/or throat
- Asthma
How to relieve fall allergies
Depending on the severity of your fall allergies, your healthcare provider or an allergist may suggest the following treatments:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medication – This depends on your symptoms but typically includes antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, or nasal sprays.
- Use a dehumidifier – If your runny nose and itchy eyes are caused by mold allergies, using a dehumidifier can help manage these symptoms.
- Close your windows – When the weather starts to cool, it’s tempting to open the windows and air out the house. Unfortunately, open windows invite pollen inside – so keep them closed.
- Invest in hypoallergenic filters – Use a hypoallergenic filter and change it monthly to minimize your symptoms.
- Keep your AC on at night – Circulating the air in your home stops pollen from accumulating.
- Wash your hands and face – After spending time outdoors, wash your hands and face when you return home to get rid of any lingering pollen.
- Change your clothes – Did you know pollen even settles on your clothes? If you have severe allergies, you may want to change into fresh, pollen-free clothes.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) – These shots contain a small amount of the allergens you’re allergic to. Over time, allergy shots desensitize your immune system to the things that cause your allergies.
- Lifestyle changes – Limit your time outside during the fall, wear a mask when doing yard work, keep your windows closed, clean your house often to eliminate pollen, mold spores, or pet dander.
Schedule an Appointment with Good Life Family Medicine
Allergies can be agonizing, but Good Life Family Medicine in College Station, Texas, can help. Schedule an appointment online or call today and find relief from fall allergies fast!
