5 Common Fall Allergens And How To Avoid Them

Seasonal allergies are often associated with springtime, but the fall months also usher in irritants that can cause allergies. While many people look forward to the cooler temperatures and pumpkin-spiced treats, for those with seasonal allergies, fall is a time of year for troublesome symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchiness and watery eyes.

Banner Health is here to keep you feeling your best this fall with information on five common fall allergens — and how to avoid them.

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1. Ragweed

Ragweed is a yellow-flowering plant that grows throughout the United States but is most commonly found in rural areas of the Midwest and East Coast. This plant is one of many that can cause allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Its flowers begin to release their pollen in mid-August, making it a common fall irritant.

Ragweed pollen can cause allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip. In more serious cases, it can cause asthma symptoms, headaches and severe congestion.

To manage ragweed allergy symptoms, try the following tips from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

• Keep track of the pollen count in your area. Local weather reports often include pollen forecasts, especially during the spring and fall.
• Avoid spending time outside during the morning hours when ragweed pollen peaks. When possible, plan outside activities for the afternoon and evening hours.
• Install a new air filter in your home’s HVAC system.
• Reduce pollen that gets tracked inside your home by taking your shoes off outside, changing clothes before bedtime, showering and washing your hair after you’ve been outside.

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2. Mold And Mildew

Commonly found in damp environments such as basements and bathrooms, mold and mildew are types of fungi that can grow year-round in many areas. Mold can also be found outdoors in areas with decomposing plants, rotting logs or compost piles.

Mold and mildew release spores to reproduce, and inhaling these spores can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of mold allergies are more common from late summer to early fall and include coughing, sneezing, itchiness and congestion.

The AAFA recommends the following strategies to reduce your exposure to mold and mildew:

• Remove any plant clippings, tree limbs, leaves and dead plants from your property.
• Wear a mask when doing yard work to reduce exposure to mold spores.
• Check your home for water leaks, especially around the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen and basement.
• Regularly clean damp areas such as sinks and showers to prevent mold growth.
• Run the bathroom exhaust fan while showering or open a window to release steam.
• Reduce the humidity inside your home with a dehumidifier.

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3. Dust Mites

Dust mites prefer conditions with temperatures between 68 degrees and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent to 80 percent humidity. They thrive inside homes where they can feed on the skin particles that people shed each day.

Dust mite allergies can be triggered by the presence of dead dust mites or their waste. Symptoms of dust mite allergies may include sneezing, coughing, congestion and itchiness, or more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness.

These tips can help reduce your exposure to dust mites:

• Since dust mites tend to be most prevalent in bedrooms, cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof zippered covers.
• Regularly wash your sheets and bedding in hot water.
• Remove or replace fabrics in your home that cannot be easily washed, such as drapes and down-filled blankets.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity inside your home to below 50 percent.
• Install a True HEPA air filter, which is the most effective type for mitigating dust mites.

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4. Pet Dander

Animals with fur generally shed year-round, but shedding can increase in the fall due to seasonal shedding. Some animals shed their lighter summer coat to make room for thicker winter coats, resulting in an uptick in allergens.

Shedding releases dead skin cells, also known as dander, into the air, where they can stick to furniture, carpets and other surfaces. Because pet dander is so small, and often undetectable to the naked eye, it can stay in the area longer than other allergens. Dander can cause allergy symptoms such as dermatitis, coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes.

Here are some recommendations to reduce your exposure to pet dander:

• Wash your hands after coming into contact with animals that shed, such as dogs and cats.
• If you have pets at home, thoroughly and frequently vacuum your carpets and furniture to remove pet hair.
• Brush your pets regularly to remove excess hair.
• Since animals can also bring in pollen and other allergens from outside, brush your pets before bringing them indoors.
• Install an air purifier in your home.

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5. Smoke

The fall season can bring an increase in smoky conditions due to campfires or smoke from fireplaces and wildfires. Wood smoke contains particles of varying sizes that can irritate the lungs when inhaled. Similarly, wildfires can release large numbers of particles into the air, rivaling the amount of particulates found in urban pollution.

Smoke can cause allergy symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. People with asthma or other allergies are more likely to be impacted by smoke.

Here are some suggestions to help you limit your exposure to smoke:

• Monitor the local weather forecast to keep track of the air quality in your area.
• Avoid going outside on smoky days as much as possible.
• When indoors, keep windows closed and avoid burning candles or incense.
• Avoid vigorous outdoor activity on days with poor air quality.
• Limit your exposure to grills and outdoor cookfires.
• If you plan to use your fireplace, make sure your chimney damper is open and as clean as possible.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, put your health first this fall by exploring comprehensive allergy care from Banner Health. With allergy testing, diagnostics and experts in immunology, Banner Health is equipped to treat patients dealing with mild to severe seasonal allergies. Banner Health doctors will work with you to create a custom treatment plan that can help ease allergy symptoms, including coughing, sneezing and congestion.

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Ready to feel your best this fall and all year round? Learn more about Banner Health’s comprehensive suite of health care services today.

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