As the summer heat gradually fades and leaves begin to fall, autumn marks the onset of another seasonal allergy season. This article will cover everything you need to know about fall allergies so you can understand how to deal with them. 

A Look at Seasonal Allergies in Florida

The allergy season can be a difficult time of year for many Floridians. Despite Florida's absence of freezing winter temperature, allergens are common due to warm conditions. Pollen in the air and sprouting plants are usually the causes of seasonal allergies. As allergy sufferers know, spring is the worst season, but the allergy season lasts an average of about ten months in Florida and extends well into the fall or beyond. This is why Florida compares worse to the rest of the country when it comes to seasonal allergies. 

What Causes Allergies in Autumn

The end of summer brings some comfort to allergy sufferers with the worst of allergy season behind them. However, this is not true for everybody. Many fall allergy sufferers are also susceptible to allergic reactions due to some of these allergen triggers:

Ragweed

Ragweed is the leading allergy trigger in autumn. Usually, the pollen starts to release in August, but it may continue into September and October, perhaps even longer due to global warming. Weeds like ragweed are common in the United States, so their pollen spreads quickly, which means even if it's not growing nearby, the pollen will still reach you. 

Similarly, as per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), ragweed pollen allergy is commonly found in people allergic to other common outdoor allergens, such as molds, dust, or pet dander. Other than ragweed, many plants release pollen in the fall, including nettles, sorrel mugwort, cedar elm, fat hens, and plantains.

Mold and Mildew

The second most prominent reason for fall allergies is mildew and molds. While pollen dies when it freezes, mold stays benign and starts to thrive when the weather warms. The perfect breeding ground for mold is a moist or humid environment indoors, such as basements and kitchens. In contrast, outdoor mold grows in wet leaf piles, compost, and decaying tree logs. Symptoms of mold allergies occur when a person is exposed to or breathes in mold spores.

Dust Mites

The humid summer months cause dust mites to be more active, and turning on your heater causes them to spread around the house. Dust mites, which are tiny creatures that feed on human skin flakes, trigger allergies in humans due to a protein in their waste products. It thrives in humid indoor environments - especially in bedding, carpets, and soft furnishings. This trigger can cause sneezing, wheezing, and runny noses.

Pet-related Triggers

Dander is the dead skin shed by pets inside the house. A majority of allergy sufferers also have pet allergies. Symptoms of pet allergies include heightened sensitivity to pet dander, saliva, fur, and urine.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Fall allergy triggers may differ, but they can still cause many of the same symptoms as spring or summer allergies. You may be experiencing an allergic reaction if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy throat
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Swollen eyes
• Hives
• Sneezing
• Asthma attacks (in severe cases)



Similar symptoms to colds and flu often accompany allergies. Any symptoms that last more than two weeks may indicate allergy-related issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies

If allergies are persistent and you're wondering how to fight allergies, the best thing to do is seek diagnosis and treatment from an allergy specialist. A specialist in allergy treatments can help you get to the bottom of what's causing your allergic reactions. The doctor will discuss your medical history and symptoms with you and recommend suitable allergy testing such as skin patches and intradermal tests. 

Upon determining what type of allergies you have, your allergist will put a treatment plan together with other medicines that may help alleviate allergy symptoms. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, there are many ways to treat seasonal allergies. The most common medications and solutions to treat your allergies are:

• Antihistamines 
• Nasal sprays with steroids 
• Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or drops or tablets
• Nasal Decongestant
• Neti pots with a saline rinse

Many allergy medicines are available over the counter. Still, it's best to speak with your doctor about appropriate dosage and complications that may arise, especially if you have chronic medical conditions.

Tips on How to Prevent Autumn Allergies 

Though it may be difficult to avoid all triggers, there are certain precautions you can do that will help you cope better with your allergies.

• Your heating system should have a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) to eliminate pollen, mold, and other particles.
• Keep indoor plants at a minimum (or removing them completely) helps since soil can support mold growth.
• Try not to spend too much time outdoors during the day, and opt to go outdoors at night when pollen counts are at their lowest.
• Monitor the weather. On warm and windy days, pollen is more prevalent in the air, so it is better to stay indoors.
• Close your car and house windows to keep allergens out; use an air conditioner to keep the air clean.
• As the filter accumulates allergens, you should regularly clean your HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
• Use a dust mask when mowing the lawn or doing outdoor yard work
• For people with worse allergic reactions, keep your yard work to someone else and stay inside during this time. Mold grows well in piles of leaves, which can make your symptoms worse.
• Regularly clean garbage cans, sinks, and water-based appliances with a bleach solution to prevent mold growth
• After working or playing outdoors, make sure you take a shower, clean your hair and change into clean clothes.
• Those allergic to ragweed should avoid eating cantaloupe, watermelon, bananas, and zucchini since they trigger allergic symptoms.
• Take allergy medication early instead of waiting until symptoms appear.
• Consider replacing the carpet in mildew-prone rooms with wood or tile!
• Your house's humidity must stay between 35%-50% using a dehumidifier. 

Curb Your Allergies with an Allergy Specialist

Allergies are tiring to live with. But it shouldn't be that way. Keep your allergies at bay by consulting with Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches! With our expertise in allergy treatment, we determine what triggers the condition and how to manage and prevent it from happening. This way, you can fully enjoy the autumn season and other seasons all year round! You can schedule a consultation online or by calling (561) 626-2006.