Fall is upon us. You wouldn’t expect seasonal allergies to hit as the leaves change and the summer flowers die off.
But sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes can hit even after the summer blooms fade. New culprits that differ from spring and summer allergens, like ragweed, mold, and dust mites, often trigger fall allergies.
Let’s explore what causes fall allergies, how to manage them, and how to stay symptom-free.
Fall Allergy Symptoms
Fall allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, similar to springtime.
Common fall allergy symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose — A common symptom of fall allergies. Ragweed pollen in the nasal passages can lead to a constant runny or stuffy nose.
- Watery, itchy eyes — Allergens like pollen and mold can cause eyes to become red, itchy, and runny, making it hard to focus.
- Sneezing — Rragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites often lead to sneezing.
- Coughing and wheezing—Allergens can irritate the respiratory tract, resulting in a cough or wheeze, especially in people with asthma.
- Itchy nose and throat — Pollen and other allergens can cause itching in the nasal passage and throat, which can be very bothersome.
Over-the-counter medicines, such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants, can treat most seasonal allergy symptoms at home.
But if your symptoms are annoying, visit your doctor to discuss a more specific treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your allergies and what you’re allergic to, you may need a mix of treatments.
What Triggers Fall Allergies?
If your allergies vary year to year, you’re not alone.
Several factors can influence the severity of allergies during the fall:
- High pollen count — Ragweed pollen counts can fluctuate daily. Windy days distribute the pollen more broadly, worsening symptoms.
- Weather — The rainfall in your area can impact allergen levels. Rain can also raise the number of mold spores in the air as damp leaves decompose.
- Indoor triggers — The start of the heating season can stir up dust mites and other allergens that have settled inside your home during the summer.
- Climate change — Warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons have led to higher pollen counts. This results in a longer allergy season that affects more people.
Types of Fall Allergies
Ragweed
Ragweed is the most common allergen in the fall and the primary cause of hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. Most people who are allergic to spring plants are also victims of ragweed.
This yellow weed can produce one billion lightweight pollen grains that can travel through the air for hundreds of miles. Even if your yard is weed-free, these allergens are still in the air. You can also find ragweed on zucchini, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables.
This plant starts releasing pollen in August; we can typically feel the effects through October.
Mold
When we think of mold, people think of spores growing in dark and dingy areas in bathrooms and basements. Contrary to popular belief, though, most people have come into contact with mold when it grows outdoors.
Outdoor mold isn’t seasonally specific; however, the fall provides a perfect season for mold to grow in wet piles of leaves.
Dust Mites
Studies estimate that around 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites. The hot, humid summer months fuel their breeding season, leading to a spike in numbers. They typically die off in the winter, but when you first use your heat, your system can stir them up and push their allergens into the air in your home.
To reduce their impact:
- Use allergen-proof covers — Encase your mattress and pillows in allergen-proof covers to create a barrier.
- Wash bedding weekly — Use hot water to kill dust mites and dry at high temperatures.
- Maintain low humidity — Keeping your home’s humidity below 50% in the warm months can help kill dust mites.
The Best Treatments for Fall Allergies
Treating fall allergies is a mix of avoiding allergens and reducing symptoms:
Over-the-counter medications
- Antihistamines — Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine), can help reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose symptoms.
- Nasal sprays — Corticosteroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) can reduce nasal swelling and allergy symptoms.
- Decongestants — For short-term relief of the sniffles, decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) can help. However, doctors advise against using them long-term due to side effects.
Home remedies
- Nasal irrigation — Rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution in a neti pot can help clear out pollen and reduce symptoms.
- Use of air purifiers — A HEPA purifier can trap airborne allergens, like mold spores and pollen, making your home more comfortable.
- Honey — Some people find consuming local honey helps reduce allergy symptoms over time, although the evidence is primarily anecdotal.
Lifestyle adjustments
- Reduce outdoor exposure — On days when the pollen count is high, try to stay indoors, especially in the early morning when ragweed pollen is at its peak.
- Clean your home regularly — To reduce dust mite exposure, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and wash bedding frequently.
- Wear a mask outdoors — Wearing a mask while doing yard work can reduce exposure to pollen and mold.
Take Control of Allergies
Although fall allergies can make an otherwise beautiful season a real struggle, taking the proper steps can help relieve symptoms. Avoiding allergens, keeping your home clean, and seeking medical advice are crucial to treating seasonal allergies. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the crisp fall season without reaching for a tissue.
Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .