Dr. Lee PerryQ: How come I feel like it's still spring because of my allergies? I thought allergies were from plants blooming for the first time after winter.
A: Your logic isn't faulty. More plants are blooming in the spring and summer than the fall, but the ones that are active in the fall are often problematic for allergy sufferers. One of the top annoyances in the fall is weeds. They bloom in the fall, unlike tree and grasses. Ragweed is one of the most common allergy triggers, and it's a prolific plant - one plant can produce up to 1 billion grains of pollen per season.
Two other common fall allergy causes are mold and dust mites. While something like ragweed will be killed off by frost, mold can survive year-round, and dust mites thrive in the fall's temperatures and moisture levels. So while we usually think the cooler weather will bring allergy relief, there are a few triggers that remain.
Avoidance is your first step in dealing with fall allergies. Monitor ragweed levels and stay inside if the levels are high on a particular day. Vacuuming cars, upholstery and carpets and washing clothing and curtains regularly helps keep ragweed levels low around you.
If mold bothers you, consider wearing a mask when doing yard work and avoiding such work right after a rain. Also use a HEPA filter on your HVAC system and reduce your indoor humidity levels to below 45 percent.
To keep dust mites at bay, wash your bedding in very hot water and clean your vents before you turn on the heat in the fall. Vacuuming and dusting frequently can cut down on dust mites as well.
If you cannot find some relief with these suggestions, schedule an appointment with your allergist. There are medications that can help ease your suffering. Additionally, allergy shots offer an all-natural treatment option that can eliminate allergies and decrease the need for medications.
- Lee Perry, M.D., Chattanooga Allergy Clinic; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society