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Seasonal allergies affect around 40 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This fall, allergy sufferers may be in for more woe due to higher pollen levels on account of climatic changes. Along with a rise in temperature, there is also an increase in carbon monoxide levels which may lead to a longer than usual ragweed season. Weed pollen may also be a trigger for aggravated allergies especially in urban areas which tend to have more weeds. Besides ragweed, other weeds like tumbleweed and sagebrush also release pollens which flare up allergies. Weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which are predicted in certain parts of the country, could also affect pollen distribution. Another trigger for allergies is outdoor mold, which is also on the rise due to the major storms that occurred last year. Cold, wet weather creates areas of damp earth which is an ideal habitat for mold spores. The piles of fallen leaves can also encourage maturing of mold spores.

With this rise in seasonal allergies in fall, those prone to allergies need to take some extra precautions. If you’re someone who loves the changing colors and pleasant temperature of fall but is afraid of allergy bouts, here are some helpful tips:

• Stay indoors on days when pollen levels are high. Keep the windows closed if possible. Pollen count tends to be very high between 5 and 10 in the mornings. Avoid drying laundry outside, and if you need to perform outdoor chores such as yard work, wear a face mask with a HEPA filter.
• Dust mites in the home are often the cause of an allergy attack. So if you’re going to be spending more time indoors to avoid mold and pollen, its important to ensure that your living environment is free of dust mites. Use hypoallergenic covers to protect mattresses and pillows. Remove carpets wherever they’re not being used. You can also control the dust by keeping humidity levels steady.
• Use cool eye compresses for relief from itching and puffiness in the eyes due to allergy symptoms. You can also protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses which will prevent pollen from entering the eyes especially when it’s windy outside.
• On days when you’ve been outside, make sure to wash your eyelids to get rid of any trapped pollen. Also rinse your hair with shampoo to prevent mold or pollen from getting on to your pillow and sheets. Avoid bringing your outdoor clothes into the bedroom.
• Hair care products such as hair gel can cause pollen to stick to the hair. Avoid using such products when the pollen count is high.
• It’s always helpful to check the pollen count and mold level where you live before venturing outside. The website of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology provides such information. Typically, pollen levels are higher when the weather is dry, warm or windy.
• Plants and flowers such as privet, dahlia, chrysanthemum and sunflower may trigger allergy symptoms. Although they may look beautiful, it’s better to steer clear of these if you are prone to allergies. You can still have a garden, one that is allergy-friendly, with plants like orchid, iris, periwinkle and bougainvillea. These are not known to aggravate allergies.
• Read the labels on allergy medications. Many of them lead to drowsiness and the dosage of different medications varies. These medications serve to alleviate symptoms. Allergy injections are the only treatment that can reduce the progression of the allergy by working on the immune system. They tend to work best when allergies are diagnosed properly on the basis of a skin test.
  

1. http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.