Dealing With Fall Allergies

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

13 Sep 2006 10:24 AM

Late summer and early fall bring on the OTHER allergy season. Allergy sufferers have trouble with the big two: ragweed pollen and mold spores. Other allergens may also contribute to the fall allergy season.

The Facts About Ragweed

• Ragweed flowers mature and release pollen starting in mid-August
• Ragweed plants only live one season
• One ragweed plant can produce a billion grains of pollen
• Ragweed season lasts from mid-August until the first frost
• Ragweed pollen can travel as much as four hundred miles by air

The Facts About Mold Spores

• Mold grows in gutters, soil, vegetation, fallen leaves, and rotting wood.
• Mold spores reach their peak in mid-August
• Mold tends to grow in damp conditions

So how do you deal with the dual assault? Avoid being outside during peak pollen hours: between five and ten a.m. If you need to do yard work, try to do it after a rainfall, when the pollen has been washed away. Wear a face mask to protect your nose and mouth when doing yard work. If your allergies are really bad, ask someone else to rake your leaves and clean your gutters!

Don't hang your laundry outside on a clothesline, and keep running your air conditioner until the first frost. Keep your car and house windows closed as much as possible.

If you can, shower immediately after coming in from being out in the pollen. Shower before bed if nothing else. Wash your clothes in hot water to remove all traces of ragweed pollen and mold spores.

Watch out for your other allergy triggers during the fall allergy season and all year long! Avoid irritants like smoke, air pollution, perfumes, and insect sprays. Certain fruits can be cross-reactive, and make your allergy symptoms worse! Try to avoid honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, and bananas during the fall allergy season.

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