According to Medicalnewstoday.com, the United States had more than 60 million seasonal allergy sufferers as of fall 2009. For these people, fall is one of the toughest times of the year thanks to a handful of culprits that can make enjoying the months of October and November difficult to say the least (a little earlier in the Northern United States). Knowing which allergens are at bay allows you to be proactive in formulating a plan to survive these challenging months.
Ragweed Pollen
Ragweed starts releasing pollen into the air in the fall and continues until the first frost. This means that in the warmer parts of the United States, late October and November can be miserable for people with pollen allergies. According to Medicalnewstoday.com, each ragweed plant produces one billion pollen grains per average season. The pollen grains are lightweight and can thus travel very far in the wind. Generally speaking, the wetter and windier the fall, the worse the ragweed allergies. By limiting your time outside or taking a shower after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from your hair and skin, you can help minimize your allergy symptoms.
Mold
During the fall, everything that bloomed in the spring begins to die out and rot. When the rains and wind kick into high gear during October and November, mold spore growth becomes exponential. according to Articledoctor.com's article titled "Fall Allergies, 10 Worst Cities For Fall Allergies." The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website says that in the South and on the West Coast mold allergies pose a problem year-round. Mold spores during this season can exacerbate a host of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, and must be carefully monitored and treated with allergy medications such as antihistamines.
Eye Allergies
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that nearly one-third of all allergy patients surveyed suffered from eye allergies during the fall. Thanks to pollen and mold spores, survey respondents reported suffering from red eyes that were irritated and itchy and which were exacerbated by contact lens use. Wearing glasses or daily disposable lenses can help minimize eye allergy discomfort during this season.
