Fall allergy symptoms are similar to spring and summer—and can hit as hard

If you’re wondering why your spring allergy symptoms never went away, it’s possible you are suffering from spring… into summer… into fall allergies.

“Some people suffer from seasonal allergies much of the year—with perhaps a break in the winter if they live in a cold climate,” says allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“But whether their symptoms are limited to one season or stretch over several, the most important thing in terms of reducing symptoms is identifying, managing and treating your allergies. People with multiple triggers may not be able to distinguish between what’s causing their symptoms. They just know they don’t feel well—they’re sneezing, congested, and their eyes and nose itch.”

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall and usually starts releasing pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, and can last into September and October. The majority of people who are allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed.

Below are four tips from ACAAI to help you manage your fall allergies as they start to emerge:

1. Start medications now—One of the most effective strategies for controlling symptoms is starting allergy medications two weeks before symptoms usually begin. If you’ve suffered with fall allergies in the past, you know approximately when to expect the sneezing and congestion to launch. Start medications in advance to lessen the severity of symptoms. Continue medications for two weeks after the first frost, as both nasal and eye symptoms with ragweed allergies can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.
2. Identify triggers, then avoid them—If you don’t know what your allergy triggers are, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are specially trained to identify which triggers are causing your symptoms, and then to create a tailored plan just for you to manage them. Once you find out what your triggers are, steer clear. After spending time outdoors, shower, change and wash your clothes. Better yet, leave your clothes, shoes, hats, sunglasses and anything else that can gather pollen by the front door. Showering before bed helps you wash the pollen out of your hair, so you aren’t sleeping on a pillow full of ragweed particles.
3. Consider allergy immunotherapy—If over-the-counter and prescription medications aren’t getting the job done, consider allergen immunotherapy in the form of shots or tablets. Both shots and tablets are highly effective in relieving allergy symptoms and in some cases can actually cure your allergy. The total treatment, which can take several years, builds up immunity and can potentially “turn off’ allergy symptoms to your offending allergens (pollens, dust mite, pets, mold). It works by introducing small amounts of the allergen in gradually increasing amounts over time.
4. Prepare to battle with mold—Many people aren’t aware that mold allergy can be especially bad in the fall. Mold can grow anywhere there is water—basement, bathroom, a leaky cabinet under your sink or in a pile of dead leaves in the backyard. To reduce mold, it’s necessary to clean standing water as soon as it appears. Scrub mold from surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Cleaning gutters regularly and keeping home humidity below 60% can also help.

If allergy and asthma symptoms are getting in the way of living your life and doing the things you want to do, see a board-certified allergist. An allergist that can help treat your symptoms and help you get your life on track. Use ACAAI’s allergist locator to find an allergist in your area.

If you’re wondering why your spring allergy symptoms never went away, it’s possible you are suffering from spring… into summer… into fall allergies.

“Some people suffer from seasonal allergies much of the year—with perhaps a break in the winter if they live in a cold climate,” says allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“But whether their symptoms are limited to one season or stretch over several, the most important thing in terms of reducing symptoms is identifying, managing and treating your allergies. People with multiple triggers may not be able to distinguish between what’s causing their symptoms. They just know they don’t feel well—they’re sneezing, congested, and their eyes and nose itch.”

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall and usually starts releasing pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, and can last into September and October. The majority of people who are allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed.

Below are four tips from ACAAI to help you manage your fall allergies as they start to emerge:

1. Start medications now—One of the most effective strategies for controlling symptoms is starting allergy medications two weeks before symptoms usually begin. If you’ve suffered with fall allergies in the past, you know approximately when to expect the sneezing and congestion to launch. Start medications in advance to lessen the severity of symptoms. Continue medications for two weeks after the first frost, as both nasal and eye symptoms with ragweed allergies can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.
2. Identify triggers, then avoid them—If you don’t know what your allergy triggers are, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are specially trained to identify which triggers are causing your symptoms, and then to create a tailored plan just for you to manage them. Once you find out what your triggers are, steer clear. After spending time outdoors, shower, change and wash your clothes. Better yet, leave your clothes, shoes, hats, sunglasses and anything else that can gather pollen by the front door. Showering before bed helps you wash the pollen out of your hair, so you aren’t sleeping on a pillow full of ragweed particles.
3. Consider allergy immunotherapy—If over-the-counter and prescription medications aren’t getting the job done, consider allergen immunotherapy in the form of shots or tablets. Both shots and tablets are highly effective in relieving allergy symptoms and in some cases can actually cure your allergy. The total treatment, which can take several years, builds up immunity and can potentially “turn off’ allergy symptoms to your offending allergens (pollens, dust mite, pets, mold). It works by introducing small amounts of the allergen in gradually increasing amounts over time.
4. Prepare to battle with mold—Many people aren’t aware that mold allergy can be especially bad in the fall. Mold can grow anywhere there is water—basement, bathroom, a leaky cabinet under your sink or in a pile of dead leaves in the backyard. To reduce mold, it’s necessary to clean standing water as soon as it appears. Scrub mold from surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Cleaning gutters regularly and keeping home humidity below 60% can also help.

If allergy and asthma symptoms are getting in the way of living your life and doing the things you want to do, see a board-certified allergist. An allergist that can help treat your symptoms and help you get your life on track. Use ACAAI’s allergist locator to find an allergist in your area.