Seasonal allergy or fall allergy is triggered by external factors called allergens that peak or increase during the autumn months. It usually occurs between late summer and November. The most common symptoms for those prone to allergies are sniffles, sneezing, and itchy eyes. However, other people have more severe symptoms like coughing, runny noses, watery eyes, and fever. An allergy to ragweed, mold, and smoke/smog is the most frequent cause of autumn allergies. This article reviews the causes, common symptoms, and tips to tame autumn allergies. Don’t suffer but identify your allergens.

Causes of Autumn Allergies

Autumn allergies are a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Factors that contribute to fall allergies are:

1)     Pollen: The biggest reason for seasonal fall allergies is “Ragweed (wild weed) pollen.” Pollen is a fine powder released by plants, trees, weeds, and flowers to fertilize other plants. The average pollen is about 10 μm in size; smaller than a human hair (50 μm in diameter). Ragweed pollen levels are particularly high in autumn when the wind picks up the pollen particles and propels them through the air. Pollen is lightweight and can travel for miles; hence, your neighborhood plants are not the only source of pollen allergies.

When these minute ragweed pollens get into the nose of someone who is allergic, the body’s defense mechanism is activated. Our immune system misinterprets the pollen as a threat, releasing antibodies to fight it. As a result, a chemical is released into the blood called histamine. It is this histamine that triggers allergic symptoms.

2)     Mold: Also, autumn is a great season that supports the mold growth, which further increases the pollen numbers and mold spores in the air and triggers allergic reactions. In many places, the amount of mold peaks when fallen leaves mingle with decaying wood.

3)     Smoke: For many people, smoke in the air can cause allergy-like symptoms. To get rid of yard debris, people in certain states burn leaves and other vegetation producing smoke. Additionally, when the temperature drops at night, they might also start using campfires or wood-burning fireplaces. This smoke, when combined with environmental air pollution forms smog that further aggravate allergic symptoms and causes burning sensations in the eye and throat.

Symptoms of Autumn Allergies

Common symptoms of autumn allergies include the following:

 

• Watery, itchy eyes
• Scratchy throat and/or nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Allergic asthma (triggered by allergen exposure)

Adults and kids who have additional symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing might have allergies that trigger asthma.

Tips To Cope-Up With Autumn Allergies

Molds can grow anywhere there is moisture, including in old pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns used as decorations for both Halloween and Thanksgiving. When pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns begin to show signs of rot, be sure to throw them out before it triggers an allergic reaction.

The following steps can be taken to combat autumn allergy:

1)     Identify your allergens like pollen, smoke, and molds. Before going to bed, take a bath and wash your hair to get the pollen out. Wear caps and sunglasses outside to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes and hair.

2)     Stay indoors on windy days, especially when the pollen levels are high. Keep windows and doors shut at home, at the workplace, or in the car.

3)     Monitor your indoor and outdoor air quality (pollen counts on local radio and TV weather reports) and plan outdoor activities around it. 

4)     Install an air purifier with HEPA filters at home to create a safe haven for easier breathing and cleaner air. Also, an air purifier for your automobile or workstation might also be helpful if the quality of the air directly affects your breathing space.

5)     Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 mask when outdoors mowing the lawn or doing other activities.

6)     Don't let your clothing dry outside to avoid the clothes picking up pollen. Wash your garments more regularly.

7)     Vacuum floors at least once a week. Cleaning your house regularly helps to eliminate pollen, mold spores, or pet dander.

When to consult a doctor

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment available for you. Your family doctor can recommend anti-allergic medications like antihistamines, nasal irrigation with a saline solution to clear out the nose and sinuses or an anti-itch eye drop.

See your health care provider or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if your allergy:

·        Last longer than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care methods.

·        Is intense, appears quickly, accompanied by a rash.

·        Involve your whole body.

·        Affect your quality of life.

·        Accompanied with associated symptoms like hives, fever, or pain.

Hence, the first step towards managing seasonal allergies is to avoid known allergic triggers. Common causes include smoke, ragweed or other pollens, and mold. Consult your family physician immediately if you experience any of the allergic symptoms. Over-the-counter or prescribed allergy drugs like antihistamines can relieve allergy symptoms, and decongestants can unclog nasal stuffiness. Let your doctor assist you in treating seasonal allergies.

If you have any questions about your allergies or related symptoms, you can check with our doctors at Ask a doctor, 24x7.