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Achoo! Potential Side Effects of Fall Allergies

As the season changes from summer to fall, so do the allergens. Fall brings a unique set of allergens that can wreak havoc on those susceptible to seasonal allergies. For many, the crisp air of autumn comes with sneezing, congestion and other unpleasant symptoms.

Allergens that are high in the fall include:

  • Ragweed. Pollen can travel hundreds of miles in the air, so even if you don’t have ragweed plants nearby, you can still be affected.
  • Mold. Mold spores thrive in damp, fallen leaves and compost piles. As these spores become airborne, they can trigger allergic reactions.
  • Dust Mites. While dust mites are present year-round, they can be stirred up when you turn on your heating system for the first time in the fall or bring blankets and heavier clothing out of storage.
  • Pet Dander. As people and pets spend more time indoors during cooler weather, exposure to pet dander increases.

The side effects of fall allergies can range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating. Common symptoms include:

  • Sneezing and a runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Sinus pressure or headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing

Effective management of fall allergies involves a combination of behavioral changes to avoid triggers and medical interventions to treat symptoms:

  • Limit outdoor exposure on high pollen count days
  • Keep windows closed if you have outdoor allergens
  • Use HEPA filters in your home
  • Clean and vacuum regularly to reduce allergens in the home
  • Shower before bed to avoid bringing allergens into your bed
  • Use over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms
  • Immunotherapy, allergy shots, can help desensitize your body to specific allergens over time