Fall allergy season is in full swing – leaving anyone allergic to ragweed or mold feeling miserable. The itchy eyes and runny noses that come with fall allergies can make school and work life difficult. The bad news? We still have several weeks before sufferers will feel relief.
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"The season won’t taper off until after a few hard frosts," said SSM Health allergist and immunologist Dr. Ashleigh Olson.
If it feels like your itchy eyes, scratchy throat and stuffed up sinuses are sticking around longer than before, you’re right. Dr. Olson says climate change creates conditions that extend how long we’re exposed to outdoor allergens.
"With global warming we are seeing long pollen seasons, so pollen seasons are starting earlier than they typically would and lasting longer than they historically have,” says Dr. Olson. “We're actually seeing that potentially more pollen is being dispersed and that pollen has become more potent or more intense than it has in the past."
While this year's season will wind down as temperatures drop, next year's season may come sooner than previous years. Nevertheless, Dr. Olson says there are ways you can manage symptoms and get some relief.
“When you come inside, take your shoes off so you're not tracking pollen within the house and maybe change your clothes too," Dr. Olson said. "Take a shower before you go to bed, so you're not still covered in all that pollen."
She also recommends avoiding outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. If you do need to go out, Dr. Olson says it’s best to prepare by taking allergy medications such as oral non-sedating antihistamines beforehand.
“Also, while it may be tempting to leave doors and windows open as the weather cools down, keeping them closed can prevent allergens from getting inside the house.”
Dr. Olson says allergy shots can be quite effective too. They can take 12-18 months before they significantly improve symptoms. Starting shots now won’t ease symptoms this season but can help with symptoms next year.
You can also consider getting dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows, choosing wood or tile flooring instead of carpeting and vacuuming the house regularly to keep allergens to a minimum.
"If there's cats and dogs that you've taken out for a walk, they can actually drag in a lot of pollen into the home as well," Dr. Olson said. "Consider wiping your pets down with a wet cloth when they come inside."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists some resources people with seasonal allergies can use to help manage their symptoms.
If you are having trouble controlling your allergy symptoms, talk with your doctor. Suffering but don’t have time for an office exam? Start an Express Virtual Care appointment now.
