Important Ways to Handle Fall Allergies

Allergy is the body’s reaction to a specific substance that is commonly unharmful. Some well-known allergens include foods like dairy, nuts, soy, wheat; pollen, animal dander and insect stings. More than 50 million people, that is 54% of the American population, suffer from some type of allergy. Managing and controlling the symptoms is the only way to deal with allergies as these conditions cannot be treated.

Allergies are often seasonal, that is the allergies predominantly occur during the specific season. The causes and effects may vary but are mostly similar with each season. Fall allergies are very common in the country, with millions of people falling victim to the symptoms.

Fall Allergies – Causes

Fall allergies are mostly caused by ragweed, a species whose pollen is a very common allergen. The fall season experiences a high growth of these weeds and thus increases the number of allergic reactions in humans. Some of the common causes of fall allergies are:

• Ragweed 
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Certain foods

Fall Allergy – Symptoms

Most of the fall allergy symptoms are the same as other seasonal allergies. Some of the predominant symptoms are:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Itchy, red rashes on the skin

When do Fall Allergies Start?

The fall season or autumn is the season between summer and winter and usually starts from early September and lasts till late November. Autumn is the season that experiences some big temperature changes – as it marks the transition from summer to winter. Likewise, fall allergies happen to start from September and last till the end of November. 

Ways to Handle Fall Allergies

Though fall allergies cannot be cured, they can be treated and the symptoms can be kept at bay. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe, so it is important to follow these tips to combat fall allergies.

• Check Important Factors Before Leaving Outdoors

 Allergies are often triggered when a person is outdoors. So make sure to check environmental factors like pollen count, mold count, and the weather. If these factors are high in the area you intend to travel to, it is safe to stay indoors or make sure to keep an allergy relief kit in hand for emergency uses.

•  Wear Protective Accessories

Clothing accessories like hats, sunglasses, and face masks can be used to keep the allergens at bay while going out. You can wear long sleeve tops and pants if the pollen or mold count is high on a particular day. Make sure to clean or wash them all to get rid of any residue allergens.

• Maintain Regular Hygiene

It is highly recommended for an allergic person to wash their hands and face or even better to take a shower regularly. Make sure to wash your hands and face every once in a while, especially after coming from outside. It is also advised to take a proper shower twice a day. Maintaining hygiene removes any type of allergen that lingers on the skin. 

• Take Medication and Immunotherapy

If the allergic reaction is high, it is important to keep medication in hand to suppress the symptoms. Some commonly used medications are oral antihistamines and decongestants.
Immunotherapy will be recommended by your healthcare provider if the symptoms get worse. Allergy shots and steroid nasal sprays.

• Keep Your Surrounding Clean

Make sure to clean your home or workplace regularly, at least once a week. This helps to get rid of any pollen or dust mites present. If it is not possible to clean the entire house, try to clean the places you stay often, like the bedroom, kitchen, or dining room.