What causes fall allergies?
When you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, your immune system is trying to fight off a substance you’re sensitive to by releasing histamine, which leads to unpleasant symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). These irritants can include specific types of mold, pollen, and weeds, which all pick up toward the end of summer and can affect the way you feel come autumn. Some specific allergens that are rampant in fall are:
Weeds and pollen
Balmy temperatures of late summer and early fall let much of the country hit the beach for a few extra weeks each year. But while your spirits soar, so do ragweed and pollen counts. “Counts usually drop significantly by the first week of September,” explains Joseph Leija, M.D., founder of the Gottlieb Allergy Count, which provides the official allergy count for the Midwest. But when it gets rainy, grasses and weeds grow out of control depending on where you live. This can include the following:
RagweedGoldenrodSagebrushMugwortCockleburPigweedTumbleweedBurning brushLamb’s-quarters
More weeds mean more pollen, a big cause of hay fever (a.k.a. rhinitis), Dr. Leija explains, which affects up to 60 million Americans each year, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Ragweed in particular seems to wreak havoc during the fall months, explains Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist with the Allergy and Asthma Network, reaching peak levels in mid-September. Just one ragweed plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains and it can travel far, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the country, the AAFA says.
Mold
Nothing looks more quintessentially autumn than leaves falling into big piles. But once foliage starts to decay, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, Dr. Parikh says. Breathing in spores can aggravate asthma and cause heavy breathing, wheezing, and other upper respiratory symptoms in those with mold allergies. Damp basements are another common source of mold. Dr. Leija suggests placing a dehumidifier downstairs—whether the rooms are finished or not—and cleaning any filters for your furnace, which could be pushing airborne mold spores into your upper floors.
Fall allergy symptoms
Once you learn to spot the below symptoms and identify your triggers, you should have no issues managing your fall allergies.
Watery, itchy, or generally irritated eyesRunny nose or nasal congestionSneezingHeadachesRashes or hives on the skinItchy throatAggravated asthma symptoms, including coughing or wheezingIn severe cases, trouble breathing or anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)
It’s important to note that fall allergy symptoms are often overlooked, as they overlap with the common cold, flu, or COVID. “Most people associate allergies with spring, and often fall allergies get mistaken for viruses and other infections due to weather getting cold,” explains Dr. Parikh. One distinguishing factor for allergies: They do not cause a fever. Allergy symptoms tend to be associated with “itchy symptoms” whereas the cold and flu are often indicated by body aches, stomach issues, and most notably, body temperatures over 100 degrees. But if you’re not sure, it’s best to check with your doc, she adds.
Treatments for fall allergies
If you implement those lifestyle changes and are still struggling, Dr. Parikh suggests seeing an allergist who can confirm your allergies and create a customized treatment plan. There are also several over-the-counter options you can try to manage symptoms, according to the AAFA, including:
Nasal corticosteroids or decongestants
These both work to minimize nasal swelling, which causes a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose. Just note that you should limit decongestant use to a day or two, otherwise your symptoms may get worse. Try NasalCrom Nasal Allergy Symptom Controller.
Corticosteroid creams and ointments
They keep itchy rashes from getting worse. Try Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength. See your doctor if you don’t see improvement within a week.
Antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers
Available in a variety of forms like tablets, liquids, and nose sprays, these are great because they block the release of histamine, so you should see an improvement in common symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and hives. Try Claritin 24 Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy RediTabs. Be sure to discuss these treatments with your allergist, who may also recommend allergy shots, prescription-strength meds, or carrying an EpiPen if your symptoms become severe.
Fall allergies management
Before resorting to a doctor’s visit, there are habits you can try to keep allergy flare-ups at bay, including:
Limit outdoor time to the evenings
“Pollen counts are highest from early morning until 10 a.m., so try to postpone your activity until later in the day,” suggests Rachna Shah, M.D., allergist and faculty member of Loyola School of Medicine.
Keep yourself and your home clean
“Mold spores and pollen can stick to everything, including hair, skin, and clothing,” Dr. Shah says. You probably don’t even realize you’re doing it, but there’s a good chance you’re tracking irritants into the house. So, you can wear a face mask (like these) when you rake leaves outdoors to avoid breathing in mold spores, brush or wipe down pets after walks, leave your shoes outside, and keep windows closed to limit exposure. Can’t bear having no fresh air? PollenTEC makes clean air window and door screens that filter dust, pollen, and exhaust soot so you can enjoy the fall breeze while it lasts.
Be consistent with medication
“It takes about two to three days for allergy medicine to kick in,” explains Dr. Leija. And you can’t just stop when you feel better or when the pollen count in your area is low. “Pollen counts vary so much by the weather and the barometric pressure,” he explains, so consistently taking your medication on days when numbers are low will prep you for when they surge again. Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic and Arielle Weg
