Managing Your Fall Allergy Symptoms

Fall is a time for new beginnings — but it can also be a new season full of annoying symptoms for those living with allergies. Though the fall foliage may be visually stunning, other things that come along with this season may leave you with itchy eyes, a running nose, and a scratchy throat.

Additionally, fall allergy season overlaps with the beginning of cold and flu season. And with COVID-19 still present in our communities, it is important to identify what is, or is not, causing your respiratory issues. Going into virus season with your allergies and asthma well controlled is essential to staying healthy.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid the most common triggers this season, and how to keep your autumn allergies in check with the help of our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia.

Why Are My Allergies Worse In the Fall?

If you experience allergy symptoms this time of the year, you may be allergic to weed pollen, specifically ragweed. Ragweed grows throughout the U.S. but is most prevalent in the East and Midwest. It is one of the most allergenic of all the pollens, starts pollinating as early as August and can last until the first frost.

Mold spores are another late summer/early fall allergy trigger. Although mold can grow year-round, outdoor mold levels tend to be higher in the late spring through early fall when the weather is warm and moist. In southern climates like here in Georgia, mold spores can be present year-round. And as the leaves begin to fall later in the season, they can compost, increasing mold growth. Remember that mold can grow indoors as well, so it is important to identify and remediate damp areas of your home or workplace.

Finally, as the temperatures cool, Georgia residents spend more time indoors. For those sensitive to indoor allergens like dust, indoor mold, and pet dander, symptoms may be aggravated at home, school, or work.

Falls Most Common Allergens and How To Avoid Symptoms

The most common fall allergens we experience here in Georgia include:

• Weed pollen, especially Ragweed
• Mold Spores
• Indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites

1. Be Mindful of High Pollen Counts

Track local pollen counts and curtail outdoor activities when the pollen count is high. Keep your car and house windows closed and run the air conditioner.

2. Wash Up When You Come Home

If you’ve spent time enjoying the autumn air, you’ve probably attracted outdoor allergens on your clothes and hair. Once inside, be sure to change your clothes and wash up to avoid spreading these allergy triggers throughout your home.

3. Rake Your Yard of Fallen Leaves

Keep your yard free of fallen leaves and other debris that may cause mold to grow. And if you are allergic to mold spores, let someone else rake those leaves!

4. Clean Your Home Often

Dust, mold, and pet dander are some of the most common indoor allergens that may trigger your symptoms this fall. And with more time spent inside — there’s a greater chance for these allergens to build up and cause a reaction. Be sure to clean living spaces in your home often, including your living room, bedrooms, dens, and bathrooms.

5. Start Allergy Treatments Early in the Season

It is best to have a treatment plan in place prior to peak season. Allergy medications and therapies work best when started in advance of symptoms. Once we’ve diagnosed your allergic triggers through an allergy skin test, we will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatments may include:

• Medications and nasal sprays
• Allergy shots
• Allergy drops
• Biological treatments for asthma and some skin conditions

Untreated allergies can lead to chronic sinus infection and for asthmatics, trigger an asthma attack.

Book Your Same-Day or Next Day Appointments With Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia

Schedule your same-day and next-day appointments at one of the 10 Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia locations across the city. Our team of board-certified allergy specialists are ready to help you improve your health and quality of life! Contact us at (770) 459-0620 or visit us online to book your appointment.