As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, it may be your annual reminder that you do, in fact, have seasonal allergies. Our household allergies are not bad, even mild enough to make us forget our late summer sensitivities. Despite fall being a beautiful time of year, it's also a reminder that allergy season is not over. "Common allergies in the fall are often triggered by weed pollen, particularly ragweed, and mold spores," shares Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited. Hiding from the outdoors isn’t the answer; in fact, fall lawn care and landscaping efforts can actually help reduce symptoms of allergies.
- Pollen: Yes, the pollen count may be high in the spring, but it doesn't stop there. "According to the EPA, ragweed pollen season affects about 15% of Americans and is lightweight enough to travel hundreds of miles, causing symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Mold: You don't often associate leaves with mold, but here we are. "Mold spores become more prevalent in the fall due to decaying leaves and vegetation, and can be brought indoors by the wind."
Lawn Care and Landscaping Matters in the Fall
It's important to consider how your lawn and landscaping efforts can inadvertently bring outdoor allergens inside. Yes, a neglected lawn can make allergies worse! "Cleaning up leaves and yard debris quickly prevents mold growth, and using an N-95 mask when cleaning moldy areas helps avoid inhaling mold spores," shares McKeon. Furthermore, can you identify a ragweed plant? Make sure these common weeds aren't growing around your home or in your gardens.
Symptoms of Fall Allergies
Allergy sufferers may experience a wide range of allergy symptoms:
- Allergic rhinitis (an itchy nose or stuffy nose)
- Eye irritation (allergy-relieving eye drops help a lot)
- Itchy throat (even a sore throat, especially if accompanied by coughing or wheezing)
- Increased mucus production and airway inflammation.
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating can result from allergic reactions affecting overall well-being and sleep quality.
How to Reduce the Impact of Fall Allergies
"To minimize fall allergies, homeowners can take several steps," notes McKeon. He elaborates:
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent grains pollen from entering the home.
- Use central air conditioning with CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filters to help maintain indoor air quality (don't forget to change the filters more often if you're sensitive).
- If you don't have central air, use air purifiers to manage airborne particles, especially in your bedroom.
- Changing and washing clothes is a good option for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Covering hair or washing it at night can prevent pollen from settling onto your body.
- Wearing masks and sunglasses outdoors can act as barriers and help reduce pollen exposure.
- Ask a doctor about allergen immunotherapy or allergy medications that can help alleviate typical symptoms.
Prevent Indoor Mold Allergies
Aside from common dust and pet dander that may irritate you more when the windows are closed in the fall and winter, it's important to monitor for mold around your home year-round. McKeon highlights the importance, too. "Controlling indoor moisture with dehumidifiers, fixing leaks promptly, and cleaning and drying moldy areas immediately are essential steps in managing mold inside the home. Managing the indoor humidity can also help reduce the seasonal impact of dust mite allergen, along with regular vacuuming, and washing of bedclothes."
By taking these measures, homeowners can significantly reduce their exposure to common allergens and improve their indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment.
