Though fall is not quite here, it is well on its way. Allergy seasons do not always correlate with our calendars but fall allergies such as those with reactions to mold and ragweed among other common fall culprits can start reacting to the increasing pollen count. Though you ma not be feeling those fall allergies, you know they are coming, and getting prepared now to minimize the suffering is always encouraged. Today, we at the ENT Specialists would like to relate some tips on how you can prepare to combat the fall allergies.
One primary step is to start taking allergy medication now even if you are now displaying symptoms. Where most presume you only take the allergy medication to relieve symptoms, pretreatment can be just helpful, if not more so. You can prevent inflammation that causes a lot of your symptoms by taking your medication before the pollen becomes overwhelming. Your body will be preparing to resist the allergic reactions as opposed to defending against them when they first assault your body.
During the fall, the primary culprit for allergy triggers is ragweed, however, mold and dust mites are nearly just as common. Ragweed produces very fine pollen that typically grows from August through November. Though it grows heavily in Midwest and Eastern parts of the U.S., the light pollen can travel far when carried by the wind. The peak pollen count for ragweed tends to be mid-day in the highest is time of mid-September.
Mold is another fall allergen, which grows in damp areas in the home such as basements, garages, and bathrooms. Keeping the home cleaned can control the spores and prevent mold outbreaks and if your home is victim to flooding or water damage, it is important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. Additionally, fall leaves that drop later in the season can compost and lead to mold well into October.
Despite the name, Allergic Rhinitis or Hay fever manifest many cold-like symptoms minus the fever. Such symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing as well as itchy eyes and/or throat. For people allergic to ragweed, the lips, tongue, or mouth can itch after eating foods such as melons, zucchini, and bananas because of cross-reactivity.
Control the indoor environment to help reduce allergies by keeping the windows closed in late summer to fall to avoid contaminated outside air from coming in. Keep your indoor air cleaner with HEPA filters in the air conditioner or furnace. Control otherwise damp basements with dehumidifiers. Any mold found growing should be cleaned with a bleach solution or invest in professional cleaning. Monitor the pollen count to prepare for the day. If the pollen you are sensitive to is especially high, try to avoid being outdoors. After being outside, be sure to shower as soon as possible and wash your hair to remove any pollen. While mowing the grass or raking leaves, wear a NIOSH N95 mask.
If you are unaware to what you are allergic to, schedule an appointment to identify the allergens causing your symptoms. Use medication as soon as possible to get relief sooner than later. Call ENT Specialists to find the right treatment for your allergies.
