When the winter ends and the Sun finally begins to rise again in the spring, you are ready with medications and tissues to cope head-on with the allergy season. But fall allergies may be just as serious as their spring counterparts. When you find yourself continuously sniffing when the leaves start to change, you can experience fall allergies.

By detecting dangerous allergens to seeking help at an emergency clinic, there is a lot to cover for fall allergies.

 What are Fall Allergies?

Most allergy sufferers react year-round to various seasonal triggers: trees pollinate in the spring, grass pollinate in the summer, and weeds pollinate in the fall. The most common type of fall allergen is a ragweed plant; an allergy to that plant is also referred to as hay fever. Mold spores cause allergies to spring up in the fall when the weather is warm, humid and windy. We are abundant in the leaves that cover the soil during the fall.

As prevalent as these weeds and mold allergens are during the fall, they should not prevent you from having outdoor activities.

Take a look at this guide to learn how to best manage your symptoms this year and have a fall free of annoying allergies.

Since winter freezes causing most animals to fall asleep in the coming months, it may not seem that there are many options for fall allergens. Although there are definitely fewer than in the spring, the frequency of allergens makes it more than worthwhile to know how to classify them. Here are some of the most common allergens from fall:

 

Ragweed

In the fall, ragweed is one of the biggest causes of allergy symptoms you experience, making it a bit of an overachiever. Only one ragweed plant can produce up to one billion grains of pollen per season.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 75% of people who experience springtime allergies will also feel the effects of ragweed pollen. Ragweed has small yellow flowers and starts to bloom in August.

Given this summer bloom, it tends to cause allergic symptoms well into the fall and stops only when the first freeze destroys the plant.

 

Mold and mildew 

Mold and mildew are particularly problematic allergens because they can thrive indoors and outdoors. They usually grow all year round, but autumn gives them more opportunities to grow on humid, fallen leaves and compost piles. Any damp areas in your house, such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens, are also vulnerable to mold and mildew production. The spores from which they emerge and develop are dispersed by wind or indoor air, much like pollen. The first frost does not kill mold and mildew, but the winter months usually cause them to fall asleep.

 

Dust mites

When the heating system kicks in for the season, the dust mites that have been lying in it are stirred up and can cause allergies in a lot of people. Such mites are microscopic arthropods that feed on the skin flakes that humans naturally shed throughout the house. Dust mites are a common allergen all year round, but they thrive at temperatures ranging from the high 60s to mid 70s. They usually die when the humidity drops below 70% or at extreme temperatures.

Now that you know the most common allergens, you know what you need to do. Take a look at best tips for handling fall allergies.

1. Stay Alert With An Allergy Forecast App

There’s an app just about everything these days, and we’re not upset about it. Luckily, we’ve already expanded the market and put together a guide to the best allergy and asthma apps, and they’re all free! These apps provide real-time weather updates, allergen predictions and pollen counts, prescription reminders, doctor locators, and more.

 

2. Shower And Change Clothes After Outdoor Activities

After spending the day out at the pumpkin patch or on the hiking trail, change your clothes and shower so that you don’t spread the ragweed pollen to your bed and other areas of your house. Also, be sure to bathe your pets regularly as they can transport unwanted allergens to your home easily.

 

3. Keep Windows Closed  

Don’t let the outside in here! When the fall allergies are in their prime, keep them out of your home and car by shutting your windows and running your cool air conditioner. This is particularly important on windy days, as ragweed pollen travels by the wind the easiest way. And it’s not just allergens that you’re holding out, pollution also stays out of your home!

 

4. Clean The Air In Your Home  

While keeping your windows closed is a great way to keep pollen and other allergens out, indoor air pollution is still a concern. Wash your air with air washer to create the perfect indoor air climate. No dirty filters for handling and cleaning, the Airwasher fully moisturizes and purifies your indoor air.

 

Be Consistent With Medications  

You don’t have to suffer through the fall. It’s the season of pumpkin spice, after all! If your allergy symptoms disturb your sleep or interfere with your daily activities, visit the Today Clinic near you. Approximately 85% of emergency departments are open seven days a week, giving you plenty of chances to see a medical professional.

At Today Clinic, our medical team will help you identify your allergy triggers and recommend the best way to mitigate your symptoms. For more serious cases, we will help you evaluate drug options or refer you to an allergy specialist.