FALL POLLENS

Ragweed is one of the most common and problematic Fall pollens. It is a very fine pollen and levels should be checked frequently; when pollen levels are high, patients should avoid being out. It’s most common from August to November, which is unfortunately around the same time school begins.  Ragweed, mold, and Bermuda grass have the potential to grow until the first freeze, which does not occur until October or November.  Mold allergen levels can be high due to the composting of mowed grasses and the decaying of tree leaves.  Between the rise of weed pollens during the monsoon season, July through September, and the rise of colds and viruses in the Fall with the school season.

Now that we have hit monsoon season, the weed pollens have been on the rise.  We recommend that you begin taking your allergy medications every day, preferably a few weeks before the season you regularly have symptoms.  Starting medications a few weeks early can help prevent inflammation before it gets more difficult to control. 

FALL POLLEN SYMPTOMS

The following can be easily confused for cold symptoms, but fall pollen symptoms occur regularly year after year, while cold symptoms do not.  If you have these symptoms regularly, contact an allergy specialist, who is trained to diagnose and treat allergies and asthma. 

·         Runny nose

·         Nasal congestion

·         Sneezing

·         Itchy watery eyes

·         Post Nasal Drip

·         Coughing

SEASONAL ALLERGY TIPS

Identify allergens by getting tested by an allergist, so that you may know the causes of symptoms.

Make sure to take medications at least two weeks prior to identified season time frame and continue daily through the entire season.

Consider beginning immunotherapy to become desensitized to your allergens. 

Monitor levels of ragweed, mold, and grass pollen and the daily changes expected.

If working outside or doing yardwork, wear a N95 mask, shower and change clothes as soon as you are finished, and leave your shoes by the door.  This prevents bringing the pollen into and spreading throughout your house.

Keep windows closed and use/regularly change HEPA filters in air conditioners to help minimize pollen entering your home.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING FALL ALLERGIES

Identification of the allergens causing symptoms is the first step to treatment.  This is achieved by Allergy Skin Testing, considered to be the Gold Standard of allergy testing. Our providers will take a thorough medical history, including symptoms and severity, with the Skin testing results to diagnose and help decide the best options for treatment.  The skin test is a series of small plastic pieces used to make small scratches on the surface of your back. Each piece will hold one type of allergen, including trees, grasses, weeds, mold, pet dander, dust mite, and tobacco.  A positive for the test is a resulting “wheal” or small swelling of the area around the prick, which may look like a mosquito bite and cause some itching.  If this skin testing is questionable, then an additional test may be requested. 

Once your allergens have been identified, our providers can prescribe antihistamines and other medications to control your symptoms.  Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be recommended for patients with moderate to severe allergies for long-lasting relief by treating the underlying cause.