Illinois Ag Connection - Summer is Actually the Perfect Time to Think About Fall Allergies

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Summer is Actually the Perfect Time to Think About Fall Allergies
Illinois Ag Connection - 07/28/2016

You hear the words, "fall allergies" and "ragweed season" and you want to run as fast as possible in the other direction. You'd rather the thoughts of itchy eyes, sneezing and sniffling didn't intrude on summer picnics and lounging by the pool.

"Thinking ahead to when fall allergy symptoms start can save you a lot of suffering down the road," says allergist Bryan Martin, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Many people who suffer from fall allergies aren't aware they need to start taking their medications about two weeks before their symptoms normally start. And since ragweed can begin to bloom in mid-August in some regions of the country, that means starting medications in early August."

Ragweed, the biggest allergy trigger in the fall, usually starts releasing its pollen with cooler nights and warm days in August. It can last into September and October when the first frost hits, which is why it is a major contributor to fall allergies. If you suffer from spring allergies, there's a good chance you also suffer from fall allergies.

"A single ragweed plant can release one million pollen grains in one day," says Dr. Martin. "Because wind can carry ragweed up to 100 miles from its source, windy days can heighten the intensity of allergy symptoms." Dr. Martin points out that mold also contributes to fall allergy symptoms. "Mold spores are everywhere in the fall, and can outnumber ragweed grains in the air -- even when pollen season is at its worst," he says.

But allergy symptoms don't have to ruin your fall fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind as summer winds down and fall makes its appearance:

-- Take medications before symptoms start and don't stop them immediately after ragweed is no longer in the air. Wait about two weeks after pollen counts go down to stop.

-- Keep car and home windows closed so pollen doesn't get indoors.

-- Leave your shoes at the door, and take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you've been working or playing outdoors.

-- Monitor pollen and mold counts. Weather reports often include this information.

-- Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors, and take appropriate medication beforehand.

-- See an allergist to find relief.

Allergists are trained to identify your allergies and provide a personal treatment plan. They can also provide immunotherapy -- allergy shots -- which targets your exact triggers and can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms. Allergy shots can also prevent the development of asthma in some children with seasonal allergies.

If you think you might be one of the more than 50 million Americans that suffer from allergies and asthma, use the ACAAI website to track your symptoms or find an allergist in your area.

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