What to Do About Those Pesky Fall Allergies.

Ragweed, mold and dust mites commonly trigger fall allergies that result in sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing and other allergic reactions. Yet there is no surefire solution to address all fall allergies, at all times. For those who are worried about autumn allergies, there is no need to stress. With a diligent approach to fall allergies, you can identify the root cause of these issues and plan accordingly.

If you try a wide range of fall allergy treatment strategies, you may be better equipped than ever before to determine the best way to manage your seasonal allergies. In fact, there are lots of things that you can do to keep your fall allergies at bay, such as:

  1. Wash Your Sheets and Pillow Cases in Hot Water 

Wash your sheets and pillow cases weekly in hot water. You also should wash or dry clean your pillows at least once a year, as well as clean your mattress regularly. Use a protective mattress cover and pillow case to help prevent dust mites from getting into your bed, too.

  1. Clean Your Blinds and Curtains 

Clean your home’s blinds and curtains frequently. For blinds, scrub them with soap and hot water. Meanwhile, use hot water to wash and clean fabric curtains.

  1. Clean Your Home Heating Vents 

Check your home’s heating vents and change the filters and clean them as needed. This allows you to remove mold and other allergens that sometimes get trapped inside heating vents in summer. 

  1. Stay Indoors During the Peak of Pollen Season 

If pollen counts are high in your area, stay indoors. Pollen.com offers a convenient National Allergy Map that displays pollen counts in cities and towns across the United States. Additionally, mobile apps are available that make it simple to check local pollen counts on your smartphone or tablet.

  1. Wear Protective Clothing 

Wear long sleeves, pants, a hat and sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen away from your skin, hair and eyes. If you are mowing the lawn, raking leaves or performing other fall yard work that could stir up pollen, mold or other allergens, wear a face mask.

  1. Use a Dehumidifier 

Run a dehumidifier in your home at a level of 45% or lower. This allows you to keep your home’s humidity level low and stifle mold growth.

  1. Keep Your Hands Clean 

Wash your hands frequently. This helps prevent ragweed and other allergens from spreading. 

  1. Change Your Clothes 

Put on a fresh pair of clothes after you return home from a long day at school or work. This helps reduce the risk of spreading harmful outdoor allergens around your home. 

  1. Shower Before Bedtime 

Wash your hair and shower before bedtime. This allows you to eliminate allergens that have accumulated on your body over the course of a day. 

  1. Get an Allergy Test 

Meet with a doctor to discuss your fall allergy concerns, questions and symptoms. That way, you can receive an allergy test to help you determine the best course of action to treat your allergies.

  1. Correct Home Leaks 

Address home leaks as quickly as possible. If a room feels damp, try to identify the primary cause of the problem on your own. Or, you can always hire a mold remediation professional to provide further assistance.

  1. Keep Your Pets Outside of Your Bedroom 

Don’t sleep in the same room as your dog or cat. Otherwise, you may be exposed to excess amounts of pet dander that triggers coughing, sneezing and other allergic reactions.

  1. Keep Your Car Windows Up 

Keep your car’s windows closed while you drive. This helps minimize the risk that airborne pollen will enter your car. Also, if your car feels stuffy, you can turn on the air conditioner to let fresh air circulate throughout your vehicle.

  1. Eliminate Leaf Piles 

Clear leaf piles from your yard. Dust and mold sometimes grows in leaf piles, so you should try to remove these piles as soon as you can. If you are worried about suffering an allergic reaction due to a leaf pile, you can ask a friend or family member to help you clear this pile, too.

  1. Avoid Fall Hay Rides 

Stay away from fall hay rides. Hay often accumulates allergens that may trigger an allergic reaction. Plus, the presence of horses and other farm animals at hay ride venues may lead to excessive coughing, sneezing and other allergy symptoms.

  1. Choose the Right Halloween Costume 

Avoid old or dusty Halloween apparel or accessories, as these items may trigger your fall allergies. If you purchase a Halloween costume at a thrift store, wash it thoroughly before you wear it. 

  1. Use a Saline Solution 

Use a saline solution to eliminate allergens from your nasal passages and alleviate congestion. If you are unsure about which saline solution is right for you, consult with a doctor so you can evaluate all of the options at your disposal. 

  1. Pick Up an OTC Antihistamine 

Purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine for immediate fall allergy relief. Follow an antihistamine product’s instructions. If fall allergy symptoms persist after you use an OTC antihistamine, schedule a consultation with an allergist. 

  1. Avoid Hanging Your Clothes Outside to Dry 

Dry your clothes indoors during fall. By hanging your clothes on an outdoor clothesline, you risk exposing them to pollen and other fall allergens. 

  1. Invest in a HEPA Filter 

Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove pollen and other allergens from the air in your home. This may make it easier than ever before to breathe inside your home during fall.

Lastly, when it comes to your fall allergies, it is usually a good idea to err on the side of caution. If you experience severe health problems related to fall allergies, it is important to receive immediate medical support. Because if you understand how to properly identify and treat your medical symptoms, you can correct these problems and prevent them from recurring.

There is no reason to let fall allergies get the best of you. Thanks to the aforementioned tips, you can quickly address your fall allergy symptoms and celebrate autumn to the fullest extent.