What Triggers Seasonal Allergies During the Fall?
Although the blooms of summer may have faded, fall can still be a difficult time for many people with seasonal allergies. Here is why you may be experiencing allergy symptoms even as winter approaches.
Autumn Allergy Triggers
Most people tend to associate allergies with tree, grass and flower pollens that tend to flourish during the spring and summer. During the fall, however, a whole new season of plant behavior can give rise to runny noses, itchy eyes and all the other telltale allergy symptoms.
Ragweed is one of the biggest allergy triggers during the fall. Although it typical begins releasing pollen during August, ragweed can remain active into September and October. Even if ragweed doesn’t grow in your neighborhood, you may still feel its effects. This is because it has the ability to ride the wind for hundreds of miles.
In most cases, people will be allergic to ragweed if they are also allergic to spring plants. That said, there are also a few other little-known allergy triggers that can lead to attacks during the fall.
Other Common Triggers
As the leaves change color and pile up on ground, mold spores begin to flourish. While we typically associate mold with dank basements, it can also thrive in damp outdoor spaces. Piles of dead leaves are perfect breeding areas for mold, especially after a light autumn rain. You can reduce your exposure by keeping your yard free of leaves and debris.
Many people are surprised to learn that produce can also trigger allergy symptoms in certain people. You can reduce the risk by thoroughly washing your fruits to eliminate any unseen pollen. You can also cook fruit to reduce allergy symptoms.
Dust mites can also become a problem when you first turn on your heat in the fall. For this reason, it’s a good idea to regularly change your filters.
Treating Your Allergies
If your allergies are making it difficult to function, an antihistamine can help reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching. Decongestants can also help relieve stuffiness, while drying up the mucus inside your nose. Steroid nasal sprays and immunotherapy are also viable options for certain people. To learn more about these potential allergy treatments, talk to your doctor.
