Anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies knows that it isn’t just the transition from spring to summer that can create problems. Fall is also a time of year when pollen counts might rise and air gets dry and, believe it or not, mold may thrive. The increase in indoor time may not help allergy sufferers. In fact, it might increase exposure to triggers. Here, we discuss how you can protect yourself against them.
One of the best things that allergy sufferers can do is get familiar with the pollen count in their area. Fortunately, the digital age we live in makes it easy to get daily counts and future forecasts. Check online or download an app that will send you alerts when pollen counts rise.
There are two ways in which climate can affect allergies. Interestingly enough, they are opposites. When the air gets dry, people with allergies may find that they cough and wheeze more often. This is because the airways have become slightly irritated in the dry environment and can benefit from the moisture of a humidifier. Rainy weather also presents a potential threat because wetness is inviting to mold.
Pet dander can be a significant trigger for people with allergies, and this makes the fall season especially pivotal to general wellness. In preparation for the colder winter season ahead, our pets’ coats will begin to thicken naturally. When the coat is thickening, shedding also occurs. If pets and people are confined indoors during raining fall afternoons, allergies may get triggered. The issue of pet dander can be managed with effective grooming and, if necessary, medication from your doctor.
Mold and Dust
These two allergy triggers may have diverse origins, but they share the same trait of being more intense in the fall and winter seasons. This is precisely the time of year when we tend to spend much more time indoors, where we cannot escape dust and mold spores. We always hear the term “spring cleaning,” but for those with allergies, every seasonal change is a good reason to deep clean the home.
The best way to manage allergies is to identify what your triggers are. Your allergy doctor can help you do this, and then tailor treatment to control your unique symptoms throughout every season of the year.