Allergy season is usually said to last from March through August when pollen counts increase, but there are plenty of autumn allergens that stir up trouble just as temperatures start to drop. If you’re living in Buffalo, NY, you know that the allergy season can be pretty rough. Fall is no different. With extreme temperatures and early winters, Buffalonians know that fall allergies can be miserable.
Here are the top three fall allergens you should know.
Ragweed: Ragweed grows in rural areas across the U.S. along riverbanks, fields, vacant lots, and roadsides. The plant is interestingly resistant to herbicides. Pollen from ragweed can travel up to 400 miles by sea and 2 miles up in the air making it particularly pervasive even in urban and suburban environments.
Ragweed begins to flower in mid-August, and pollen counts reach their peak in mid-September rendering it one of the most common fall allergies. The entire season lasts between six to ten weeks, and even though the plants only last through one growing season, each one can produce up to a billion grains of pollen.
If you’re allergic to ragweed pollen, you might also be sensitive to a number of fruits. This particular allergen is associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Because the protein in several types of fruit are similar to those in ragweed pollen, you may have an allergic reaction to the food even if you aren’t allergic to the fruit itself.
Mold: Most people assume that mold is a winter allergen because it usually grows in warm, moist areas of the home. However, mold can also accumulate in piles of dead leaves in the autumn months when it starts to rain more often. Raking up the leaves in the front yard sends mold spores into the air making the allergen both an indoor and outdoor threat.
Dust Mites: Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed off of dander and dead skin cells. They live in your house all year long, but they thrive in warm environments. Dust mites start to multiply when we start to turn on the heat in September and October as temperatures fall.
Last Thoughts on Fall Allergies:
Though perhaps less common, fall allergies can be just as frustrating as spring ones regardless of how young or old you are. Thankfully, your physician can provide you with a number of treatment options including immunotherapy. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on fall allergies.