While you may think that allergies only hit during the spring and summer, the fall season can be just as troublesome. Due to the weather change, allergy symptoms can still rear its ugly head. When leaves fall outdoor molds can grow underneath the fallen leaves, and with the changing foliage, weeds and other plants release pollen into the air which can wreak havoc on people with allergies. For instance, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, ragweed pollen can trigger allergy symptoms in as many as 23 million Americans. Ragweed produces pollen from August to November, making it the number one fall allergy trigger. Luckily, there are fall allergy tips you can utilize to help you feel better, fast.
If your fall allergies are forcing you to stay inside, check out these helpful fall allergy tips so you can better manage your fall allergies and get back to enjoying the great outdoors.
• One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage your allergies is by taking your medication as prescribed and don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse before you take allergy medication. Luckily, many of today’s over-the-counter allergy drugs are long-lasting, effective, and don’t have to make you drowsy.
• If you live in an area where it is still acceptable to use the outdoors as your clothes dryer, avoid doing so. Hanging clothes outdoors to dry can act as a magnet for pollen, and can cover your bed sheets and clothing with this common allergen. Instead, use a clothes dryer to help prevent pollen from ending up on your body via your clothes and bed sheets.
• On days that you plan on going outdoors, make sure you check the pollen levels before you head out. If levels are high, you might want to rethink your day by limiting your outdoor activities (especially those during the morning when the levels are at their highest). Knowing this can also help influence the clothes that you wear, and if you should take that allergy medication or not.
• If you are sensitive to mold or dust, consider purchasing a dehumidifier, which can help keep the humidity levels low in your home. Since mold and dust mites flourish in a humid environment, using a dehumidifier can help keep humidity levels low to help fight mold growth. It is recommended by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America that the humidity levels stay below 35 percent.
• Whenever you are outside, make sure you wear clothing to protect your skin from allergen exposure. To help keep pollen off your skin and out of your eyes and hair, wear sunglasses, a hat, a long sleeve shirt, and long pants. If you are planning on doing any yard work such as mowing the lawn or raking (which can stir up mold and pollen), make sure you protect not only your skin and hair but also your lungs by wearing a protective face mask.