Think Allergy Season is Over? Not So Fast, a Doctor Says
Allergies tend to follow a seasonal pattern and get worse at certain times of the year. The symptoms persist for at least a week, usually longer. A lot of people associate autumn with the onset of allergies, but the cooler temperatures do not guarantee relief for everyone. For those affected, fall can be the peak time for allergy symptoms, which may be exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis.
Researchers indicate that allergy seasons are beginning earlier and extending longer due to various factors linked to global warming. Prolonged warm temperatures and delayed frosts allow plants that produce allergens to thrive. Elevated carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel emissions contribute to enhanced plant growth, leading to a surge in pollen production. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 25% of adults in the United States experienced seasonal allergies in 2021.
Understanding common triggers for fall allergies and their associated symptoms is crucial. With respiratory viruses also circulating during the colder months, individuals need to differentiate between seasonal allergies and viral infections. The primary trigger for fall allergies is ragweed, a plant that proliferates across the United States. A single ragweed plant can emit up to 1 billion pollen grains.
To identify specific allergens and obtain relief from symptoms, minimizing exposure to allergens is essential. Limiting outdoor activities during high pollen times, typically early mornings to early afternoons, is advisable. Changing clothes after being outside, keeping windows closed at home and in the car, and drying laundry indoors are also helpful strategies.
Available medications include antihistamines and nasal sprays to alleviate congestion. Many options are accessible over the counter, while others require prescriptions. For those with severe symptoms, immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, may be beneficial. Consulting with a physician or healthcare provider before starting any new medication is always recommended.
