Managing Your Fall Allergy Symptoms
Fall is a time for new beginnings — including a new season full of symptoms for those living with allergies. Though the fall foliage may be visually stunning, it may leave you with a running nose and scratchy throat.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vital to manage and treat your allergies as flu season hits its peak. Keep reading to learn how to avoid the most common allergens this season, and how to keep your autumn allergies in check with the help of our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia.
Why Are My Allergies Worse In the Fall?
Experts estimate that 37 million Americans experience sinusitis each year, and many patients report worse symptoms in the fall and winter than during the spring and summer months. This may be because ragweed pollen and mold are both prevalent during the colder months — both of these allergens can trigger your immune system's response and cause an allergy attack.
Additionally, without the hot temperatures that spring and summer have to offer, many Georgia residents spend more time indoors during the fall. Within our homes, schools, and workplaces, indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold can aggravate your symptoms.
Avoiding Allergens This Season
With a change in season comes a new set of allergens to be mindful of. The most common fall allergens we experience here in Georgia include:
- Mold
- Dust and dust mites
- Mildew
- Fallen leaves (especially oak tree leaves)
- Pollen
- Ragweed
In addition to causing common symptoms such as itchy eyes, a sore throat, or asthma, an allergic reaction can also lead to more serious conditions such as a sinus infection or issues with your lung capacity. To stay healthy this fall, it’s best to see your allergist for treatment, and utilize these ways to avoid common fall triggers:
1. Be Mindful of High Pollen Hours
While the worst time to be out during the fall is when it’s windy, pollen counts are typically at their peak between 10 AM and 5 PM. So, limit your time spent outside between these hours.
2. Wash Up When You Come Home
If you’ve spent time enjoying the autumn air, you’ve probably attracted outdoor allergens on your clothes and belongings. Once you’ve returned inside, be sure to change your clothes and wash up to avoid spreading these allergy triggers throughout your home.
3. Clean Your Home Often
Dust, mold, and pet dander are some of the most common indoor allergens that may trigger your symptoms this fall. And with more time spent inside — there’s more of a chance for these allergens to build up and cause a reaction. Be sure to clean common living spaces in your home often, including your living room, bedrooms, dens, and bathrooms.
4. Rake Your Yard of Fallen Leaves
In addition to keeping the inside of your home clean, you should keep your backyard free of fallen leaves and other debris that may cause an allergic reaction. To avoid triggering your symptoms, have a member of your family rake your yard frequently — or hire a landscaper to do so. This will allow you and your loved ones to enjoy the last bit of warm weather before winter, without the threat of an allergy attack.
4. Build Up Immunity With Allergy Treatments
This fall, managing your symptoms, and staying healthy is even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The key to preventing an allergy attack this fall is diagnosing your allergies, and then developing a treatment plan. At Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, we can do just that at any of our convenient locations.
Once we’ve diagnosed your allergies through a scratch/prick or a patch test, we will recommend a combination of the following treatments to help you breathe easier and enjoy everything autumn has to offer:
- Allergy shots
- Allergy drops
- Biological treatment options
Book Your Same-Day Appointment With Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia
Schedule your same-day and next-day appointments with Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, and take advantage of our telemedicine services to avoid the hassle of coming into the office! Our team of board-certified allergy specialists will discuss your options and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Contact us at (770) 285-5200 or visit us online to book your appointment.