The weather may be getting cooler, but that doesn’t mean those with allergies are in the clear. Coping with seasonal allergies is a very real problem after the end of summer. Fall allergy triggers are different, but they are real.
The most common seasonal allergies in the fall result from high levels of ragweed pollen, grasses, and mold spores, which can peak in the fall. However, grass can produce pollen year-round in the South—especially in Florida.
Ragweed pollens begin to rise in August and can last until the first frost. 75% of those with allergic reactions to spring plants will also have reactions to ragweed. If ragweed doesn’t occur naturally where you live, it can still reach you. Ragweed pollen can float for hundreds of miles on the wind and has been found as far as 300 miles offshore!
Some people with ragweed allergies are also allergic to certain fruits and vegetables, including bananas, zucchini, and all types of melons.
Mold growth spikes in the summer months and can last through the fall. While molds can grow indoors within damp areas of the home, they are also common outside this time of year. A pile of wet leaves is an ideal breeding ground for mold. If you need to rake leaves, consider wearing a mask. If you live in a humid climate, consider a dehumidifier to maintain 35-45% humidity to reduce the chances of mold growth inside your home.
If you’re allergic to dust mites, it’s essential to know that you may unwittingly circulate them throughout your home the first time you turn on the heat in the fall. You can reduce this exposure by changing your filter (we recommend using a HEPA filter) and cleaning your heating vents before you turn on your furnace for the first time.
The symptoms of fall allergies are similar to spring and summer allergies and include watering, itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, and running nose. Fortunately, these symptoms can be relieved long-term, and you can achieve complete remission from multiple allergies. Besides the medications recommended by medical practitioners, consider multiple seasonal allergy management using allergen-specific immunotherapy that includes the inconvenient allergy shot protocols, or as a very effective alternative, consider the Circava System™ therapy. Because each dose is formulated for your allergy profile, it’s the easiest and most convenient way to stay symptom-free all year.
Talk to your primary care practitioner about it. He could prescribe and supervise this effective, safe, and convenient alternative.
