HealthNews Dozen: 12 Common Fall Allergies & How to Ease Symptoms

There are seasons of the year, particularly spring and fall, that conjure up particles in the air and in homes, putting many Americans in the position of dealing with the subsequent allergic reactions. In fact, allergies affect more than 35 million Americans and cost billions of dollars in health care and lost productivity in the workplace. One could say that allergies are nothing to sneeze at.

As September and October usher in the fall allergy season, many people will face the sinus problems, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and throat, and breathing difficulties associated with it. But there are ways to ease the symptoms and deal with the onset of the allergies without undergoing major life changes or disruptions.

Dust mites are the most common indoor allergy, as the dust in one’s home is rustled up when the air conditioning goes off, fans are turned on, and eventually the heater is put into play. In addition, many people choose the fall months to rearrange closets in order to pull out winter clothing and otherwise reorganize the home in preparation for winter. The dust in the air can trigger allergic reactions, but clearing the air with fans or even wearing a mask when cleaning can alleviate symptoms greatly.

The most common of the outdoor air allergens is ragweed. With leaves falling from trees and harvest time in play, ragweed levels rise and permeate the air, much to the dismay of those with little tolerance for such particles. Other weeds that make it into people’s sinuses include cockleweeds, dockweeds, and tumbleweeds. Depending on the area of the country and the foliage common to that area, counts can easily be tracked through weather reports, which will help one’s level of preparedness when the pollen counts rise.

Mold spores are typically prevalent throughout the year and into the summer, but the fall brings out the most airborne of them because of the heat and humidity in the air prior to winter. Winds that kick up to bring the winter weather also tend to make the spores more active, as they likely have settled through the summer in places like compost piles, soil, wood, and vegetation. Mold can also be found indoors in basements, storage areas, and bathrooms where humidity levels are consistently high. By keeping these areas clean and installing a dehumidifier, as well as cleaning yards where leaves and other debris gather, the amount of mold spores in the air can be lessened. Gutters should be kept clean, compost piles far from the house, and wood and other building materials dry and away from living quarters.

To minimize allergy flare-ups from outdoor pollen and other floating particles, it is important to stay indoors as much as possible when weather reports indicate the levels are high. But since people must go from place to place and encounter the allergens at various points, there are other ways to ease the symptoms.

While it is not likely that most people will wear face masks during general daily errands and travel, masks are helpful when doing yard work or house cleaning. Keeping windows and running air conditioning will also help, as well as keeping personal items from any prolonged contact with the air outside, i.e. refrain from hanging laundry outdoors, keep children’s toys clean and indoors, and wash clothes and wipe down shoes immediately after lengthy time spent outdoors.

When the allergy symptoms are in full effect, the above advice may likely not be enough. There are numerous over-the-counter medications to take, based on symptoms: antihistamines like Benadryl and stronger options like Claritin and Zyrtec. Nasal sprays can alleviate sinus problems and eye drops can help itchiness, but neither should be taken for more than a few days. If symptoms persist or are severe, especially if the person has asthma or other more serious breathing issues, it is wise to consult a medical professional in order to find medication that will allow a normal lifestyle to resume.

Most who are susceptible to fall allergies find relief in small ways and cheap pharmacy remedies, but knowledge about the season and one’s own allergic reactions will lead to the right personal solution.