Fall is the season of beautiful leaves and cozy soups, but what might not be so pleasant is your fall allergies. As summer blooms fade and winds pick up, you might begin to experience allergies that are just as bad, if not worse, than those in the spring. Allergies can be caused by a wide variety of environmental factors, but today we’re sharing three of the most common fall allergies and how to find some relief while still enjoying the season.
Ragweed
According to WebMD, 75 percent of people who experience spring allergies also have adverse reactions to ragweed. This weed is most common east of the Rocky Mountains, but its pollen can travel long distances and cause irritation from late August until early October. Keeping an eye on daily pollen counts can help you avoid the worst of your symptoms and if you do have to spend time outdoors when pollen counts are high, wear a mask to keep airborne allergens out of your nose.
Mold
Mold often grows indoors, but it can also pop up in compost heaps or piles of fall leaves. Keep mold away from your indoor spaces with dehumidifiers and natural mold cleaners like vinegar. Outdoors, mold can travel on the wind much like pollen, so wearing a mask and avoiding piles of vegetation will help.
Dust mites and pet dander
People tend to spend more time indoors with the windows closed as the weather cools, increasing exposure to dust mites and pet dander. Vacuuming regularly and investing in an air purifier can alleviate some of these allergies, as well as keeping pets off of beds and couches.
