Common Fall Allergies to Watch Out For
Picture this: Your family has planned a beautiful Fall day together, picking apples and admiring the beautiful colored leaves in the area. Well…beautiful for everyone but you. You, unfortunately, spend the entire time sneezing and wheezing thanks to allergies.
It’s true: Spring isn’t the only time of year when allergies rear their ugly head. Autumn allergies can be just as misery-inducing!
Rather than spend this time of year a sneezy, stuffy mess, find out what to look for and how to avoid the worst symptoms. Here are three common Fall allergies:
Ragweed
Ragweed allergies are quite common – in fact, up to 20% of Americans have what’s referred to as “hay fever” thanks to this plant which, while it grows mostly in the eastern and Midwestern states, has pollen that can travel up to 400 miles. If you feel yourself suffering the effects of ragweed allergy – runny nose/congestion, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, sinus pressure, dark circles under the eyes, itching – make it a point to stay inside with the windows closed on windy days when pollen is traveling through the air. While doing yard word, wear a mask. And make it a point to install a high-efficiency filter in your HVAC system to filter out particles.
Mold
Mold isn’t just a problem indoors. As a matter of fact, it just loves to grow in those piles of wet leaves you see everywhere at this time of year. The symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of ragweed allergies. When working in your yard this fall, don’t wear just any mask to protect yourself. A NIOSH N95 particulate respirator is a better bet to keep allergies at bay.
Dust mites
Dust mites love warm, humid weather – but it’s their waste products that get stirred up when you first turn on the heat in your home. Disgusting, right? Sneezing, coughing, itchy/watery eyes and congestion are all common for those with dust mite allergies. This allergy takes great vigilance to combat, but with some patience it’s possible. A HEPA filter in your HVAC system is a good start. When doing chores, wear a mask to protect yourself from dust. Consider replacing your carpeting with hardwood flooring, which is easier to clean, as well as choosing furniture featuring wipeable materials. Place mite-proof casing over your pillows and bedding, and always wash in hot water to kill mites.
If you feel that you’ve developed an allergy but you can’t put your finger on its origins, especially since these and many other allergies share similar symptoms, it may be best to cut out the guessing and get tested to pinpoint your problem. Your doctor will know just what to test for, and you can work together to develop a treatment plan that will have you breathing easier all year long! Plus you can get savings on your prescription with a DentalSave membership.
