As the leaves change colors and the wind picks up, we welcome the season’s loveliness. But for all of us, this also means sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion. Fall allergies are more common than you may know, and understanding their causes can help you ready yourself and get relief.

Why Do Allergies Begin in Fall?

Allergies result when the body’s immune system overreacts to things that are normally safe, such as pollen, mold spores, or dust. In the fall, a combination of environmental factors join together to increase allergy issues:

Cold weather drives humans indoors, where dust and pet dander accumulate.

Outdoor plants shed pollen bountifully well into the fall.

Moist, decaying leaves and soil provide a fertile breeding ground for mold.

The Top Fall Allergy Triggers

1. Ragweed Pollen

•The worst culprits in fall. Ragweed starts producing pollen in late summer and can go on until the first frost.

•A single ragweed plant can produce billions of pollen grains, which are swept miles away.

•Symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and triggering of asthma.

2. Mold Spores

•Fallen leaves and damp areas are mold breeding grounds.

•Mold spores become airborne with ease and trigger congestion, wheezing, and watery eyes.

• Indoor mold, especially in bathrooms or basements, can also trigger symptoms all year but is more active when people spend more time indoors during fall.

3. Dust Mites

• Also found in carpets, furniture, and bedding.

• When the heat is activated after going unused for months in fall, it awakens the dust mites and their waste particles, which trigger allergies.

• Symptoms are similar to hay fever: sneezing, coughing, and congestion in the nose.

4. Pet Dander

• The more time spent indoors, the greater the exposure to pets.

• Dander (tiny bits of skin, saliva, and urine proteins) can cause sneezing, watery eyes, and respiratory difficulties for sensitive individuals.

Controlling Fall Allergies

Restrict Exposure

• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.

• Use a HEPA air filter indoors.

• Shower and change after spending time outdoors to eliminate pollen and spores.

Reduce Indoor Triggers

• Clean bed linens once a week in hot water to kill dust mites.

•Regularly vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum.

•Dehumidify indoors to maintain humidity levels under 50% and prevent mold growth.

Medications

•The symptoms can be relieved by over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays.

•The allergist can prescribe prescription medications or allergy shots (immunotherapy) if the allergies are persistent or severe.

When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, don’t respond to simple measures, or affect sleep and daily activities, it’s best to see a healthcare professional. They can assist in identifying your specific triggers and prescribing a customized treatment.

Key Takeaway

Fall allergy is caused mostly by ragweed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. With the appropriate prevention strategies and treatments, you can enjoy the fall colors without relentless sneezing and watery eyes.