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Fall allergies can create similar symptoms to spring allergies; sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and more. But why do you suffer from fall allergies? What are the symptoms and treatments?
While there are allergens that can have an impact on your health just about every season, many people notice their symptoms are worse during the spring and fall months.
There’s a good reason for this correlation; pollen counts tend to be highest during both seasons.
What Are The Most Common Fall Allergies?
The fall allergy season usually starts towards the middle of August and lasts well until October or November, when freezing temperatures kill off the last remaining pollinating plants. However, exactly when this happens varies depending on where you live in the United States.
Someone living in southern Florida will have a much longer struggle than, say, someone living in Maine.
Until temperatures drop, you still have to cope with your fall allergy symptoms.
Here’s how to identify whether you’re suffering from allergies, and if you are, how to get a bit of relief from allergies.
1. Ragweed Allergies
Ragweed usually starts blooming in August. As a fall-blooming plant, its pollen release becomes worst around the middle of September, but warmer and wetter temperatures this August sent ragweed into overdrive, causing it to bloom earlier than normal.
Patients who struggle with ragweed allergies noticed symptoms earlier, and in some cases, more aggressively, as a result. The United States is home to more than 15 different varieties of ragweed, meaning that virtually anyone anywhere in the country can be impacted.
— Ragweed Allergy Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a ragweed allergy include sneezing, a constantly runny nose, stuffiness, and headaches ranging from mild to severe.
You may also feel like your eyes and your throat are itchy.
Patients with asthma are likely to notice an increase in related symptoms, including increased wheezing and an asthma-related cough.
— Ragweed Allergy Treatments
There are many antihistamine-based OTC medications that work well for patients suffering from a ragweed allergy. Options include Benadryl, Claritin, Aerius, and Allegra. Each of these drugs has a slightly different profile and may or may not be right for you.
You can avoid symptoms altogether by starting your medication routine about two weeks before your known allergy season begins. Talk to your doctor about trying different OTC or compounded prescription medications if your current drugs don’t seem effective, or if your allergy symptoms are simply worse.
Avoid ragweed and other pollens to avoid worsening symptoms. Try to stay indoors and make sure you have an air filter running in your home. If you must go outside, try to do so earlier in the day, as pollen levels are usually lower before 12 p.m.
2. Dust Mite Allergies
Yes, dust mites are living microscopic critters that live in your home and yes, you can be allergic to them.
They love to eat dead human skin cells and there is nothing at all you can do to rid your home of them.
This unfortunate-but-true fact means people who have dust mite allergies often find themselves struggling year-round, but early fall symptoms worsen because dust mites love crisp fall temperatures that fall into the 60s and 70s.
— Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms
Do you feel like you have allergies all year long, no matter what?
That’s one of the first signs you may have a dust mite issue. Patients struggling with this particular allergy usually sneeze a lot, have a runny nose, are annoyed by a persistent cough, and are frustrated by post-nasal drip. Your eyes, nose, throat, and the roof of your mouth may all feel itchy. And those blue bags under your eyes? Blame those on your dust mite allergy, too.
Asthmatics should be particularly careful about their symptoms during the fall. As the dust mites increase, asthmatic symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing can get worse.
These fall allergies symptoms tend to get worse at night and cause difficulty sleeping.
— Dust Mite Allergy Treatments
Your doctor will likely recommend an antihistamine or some other over-the-counter allergy medication to keep your dust mite allergy symptoms in check. You may also need a long-acting or rescue inhaler if you have asthma that is impacted by dust and dust mites.
While they can’t be completely eliminated, the dust mites in your home can be reduced.
Air filters don’t work very well with dust mites because they are heavier and fall to your carpet. Other allergens tend to float in the air. That said, proper home ventilation does help because it keeps dust from settling in general.
While it isn’t possible for everyone, living in a home without carpeting is one of the best changes you can make to reduce dust mites. Otherwise, use allergen-friendly mattress and pillow covers and wash them regularly.
You can also try reducing the clutter where dust can settle, and dusting throughout your home on a regular basis.
3. Fall Mold Allergies
Molds usually begin to appear earlier in the year – often in the spring – but they stick with us throughout the entire fall.
Levels peak before the first frost forces them to go dormant. The most common source of outdoor molds is leaf piles lying on the ground in your yard or on your deck, but you can also find mold forming in compost piles and living in the dirt you walk on.
These symptoms tend to get worse in the fall because the weather is damp and wet.
— Fall Mold Allergy Symptoms
Mold allergies cause a lot of the same symptoms as the other fall allergies mentioned such as sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, runny nose, and coughing. Some patients experience itchy, dry skin as a result of environmental molds, too.
Asthmatics are often severely impacted because mold spores move easily in the air and are inhaled, putting you at risk for a severe asthma attack.
— Fall Mold Allergy Treatments
There are, of course, other molds to consider, but in the spirit of fall allergies it is important to stick with your antihistamine or allergy medication routine and carry your inhaler with you at all times.
Molds are lighter and float in the air more during the day, becoming heavier and settling to the ground at night.
Limit your outdoor exposure during the day if you are having difficulty. If you do need to go outside, consider wearing a face mask.
Conclusion
Still struggling with fall allergies?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your current medication routine isn’t alleviating your fall allergy symptoms, especially if you are using a rescue inhaler more than a couple of times per week.
Your doctor may recommend formal allergy testing to determine exactly which allergens are causing your woes.
Knowing your exact triggers will help your doctor determine which medication (or combination of medications), inhalers, and lifestyle changes will help you get through allergy season.