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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 aren't usually bad (even mild enough to make us forget our late summer sensitivities), but OH BOY, ragweed struck hard this year. 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 levels: 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 Can Help Fall Allergies
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 face 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.
Common Fall Allergy Symptoms
Allergy sufferers may experience a wide range of seasonal 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:
- Close up shop. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent grains pollen from entering the home.
- Use central air conditioning. And use CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filters to help maintain indoor air quality (don't forget to change the filters more often if you're sensitive).
- Get some air purifiers. If you don't have central air, use air purifiers to manage airborne particles, especially in your bedroom.
- Change clothes more often. Changing and washing clothes is a good option for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Wash your hair and body every night. Covering hair or washing it at night can prevent pollen from settling onto your body.
- Masks work. Wearing NIOSH N95-rated masks and sunglasses outdoors can act as barriers and help reduce pollen exposure.
- See a doctor. 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 mites allergens, along with regular vacuuming, and washing of bedclothes."
By taking a few steps, homeowners can significantly reduce their exposure to common allergens and improve their indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment.
How do I tell if it’s a cold or fall allergies?
Colds usually cause body aches, fever, or thick mucus. Allergies bring itching, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge that last as long as exposure continues.
Is it safe to compost leaves if I have mold allergies?
It can be, if you're careful. Wear a mask and gloves, keep the leaf piles dry and turned often, and place it away from doors or windows so leaf mold spores don’t drift inside. Oh, and please make sure you keep the windows shut while you're doing any autumn leaf litter cleanup, especially with a leaf blower. That'll help prevent spores from entering your home.
