How to Stay on Top of Your Allergies This Fall

The changing of the seasons is usually an exciting time. When autumn rolls around, trees become decked out in their array of vibrant colors, the weather becomes a little crisper, and there’s plenty of fun fall activities to participate in.

Unfortunately, fall can bring allergies right along with it. And studies say fall time allergies can be just as bad — if not worse — than the springtime variety which can leave you feeling absolutely miserable. You might experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy eyes or nose.

Because of that, our team at Clover Internal Medicine Associates located in Fort Worth, Texas want to offer you some tips on how to stay on top of your seasonal allergies so you can enjoy the autumn to the fullest.

Common fall allergy triggers

The most common cause for fall allergies by far is ragweed. Ragweed most commonly grows on the East Coast and in the Midwest. But, even if it doesn’t grow around where you live, ragweed is able to travel for hundreds of miles and trigger your allergies. 

Ragweed usually starts releasing pollen around August and can last through September and October, sometimes even until the first good snow. 

Mold is another common cause for fall allergies. While mold is often associated with growing in damp basements or bathrooms, mold also loves to grow in cool, damp places outside. Large piles of wet leaves and rotting wood are ideal breeding grounds for mold. Plus, the dry wind that fall brings around can easily spread around mold spores, bringing on allergy symptoms.

How to handle your fall allergies

Thankfully, there’s many things you can do on your own to alleviate some of your allergy symptoms. Practicing these habits are a great place to start:

• Monitor pollen and mold counts and stay indoors when they’re high
• Clean your air vents to get rid of mold and other allergens before turning on your heat
• Always keep your windows shut at home, work, and in the car
• Wear a mask when raking leaves outside
• Wash your hair, skin, and clothing after outdoor activities

You can also take medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal sprays in order to help combat your symptoms. 

If doing these things still doesn’t help with your symptoms, come in and see us so we can evaluate what’s exactly causing your allergies. We can then cater a treatment plan that will work best for you and benefit your health and well-being. 

Don’t let fall allergies hold you back from enjoying the best this season has to offer. If you need help treating your seasonal allergies, give us a call to schedule an appointment or use our online booking tool today.