Are you worried about not being able to enjoy the fall season because of your allergies?
With humid days and colder nights, many plants, weeds, and other allergens begin to thrive. Seasonal allergies are often associated with pollens in spring and summer. However, a lot of people fall victim to autumn allergens, like ragweed pollen.
Like any other cause of hay fever, ragweed pollen and other fall allergens are a pain to deal with. This can range from constant coughing and sneezing to watery eyes and runny noses.
Want to know how you can combat allergies to ragweed pollens and other fall allergens? Read on to find out more.
Ragweed Pollen and Other Fall Allergens
Unlike spring and summer allergens, autumn allergies are often caused by common grasses and weeds. One of them is the ragweed pollen. Ragweed begins its pollination in the late summer.
Depending on how warm the temperature is, it’ll continue into September and October. Ragweed pollen can also travel far through the air and can trigger your allergy symptoms quickly. Here are some other common fall allergens you need to be aware of:
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pet fur and dander
Although the causes of your allergies may be different, there are many similar things that you can do to counter them.
Limit Ragweed Pollen Contact
The chances of you not encountering ragweed pollen when you go outside is near impossible. Because of that, the best thing you can do is to limit your contact with the pollen when you do go out.
There are two popular ways where you can limit this contact. These are tracking pollen counts and avoiding ragweed peak hours. You can track the ragweed pollen counts in your area by keeping up with the National Allergy Bureau.
If you see that the pollen count is high, it’s best to stay at home, if possible. Ragweed pollen counts are always lower in the early mornings and late afternoons. It’s best that you avoid going out from 10 am to 3 pm, where the pollen counts are at their peak.
Invest in a Good Home Air Filter
Another way to combat ragweed pollen and other allergens is by maintaining healthy indoor air quality. It’s best that you keep all your windows shut when the pollen count skyrockets. It also helps to maintain your home’s temperature and lower your energy bills.
Investing in quality home air filters will help you deal with any fall allergens that still make it into your home. It’s recommended that you get an air filter with a MERV 13 rating to deal with ragweed pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and more.
Keep Ragweed Pollen Outside
Keep in mind not to open your windows and even your car windows when you’re out driving. It’s also good practice to change your clothes and wash your hands once you get back home.
This is because ragweed is good for sticking to your skin and in your clothes. When doing laundry, drying them outside may not be a good idea. Instead, opt for drying your laundry in the dryer.
Keep Your Home Clean
One of the best ways to keep your home ragweed and allergen-free is to keep the space clean. Although brooms are a good cleaning tool, they won’t work best when you’re cleaning your house of allergens. When cleaning your home, it’s better to use wet mops, damp dust cloths, and vacuum cleaners.
Make sure that you vacuum both the floors and the furniture, along with your drapes. And don’t forget that it’s important to regularly change your vacuum’s filter as well.
Steer Clear of Outside Mold
Do your best to steer clear of mold and mold spores when you’re outside. Outdoor mold often grows in leaf piles, rotting logs, and other damp areas. To prevent your allergies from getting worse, remove all dead leaves from your yard and gutters.
Clean Out All Indoor Mold
Counter indoor mold by checking on any leaks under the sinks and around your appliances. When you do find these leaks, make sure to take action either by thoroughly cleaning the area yourself or contacting a mold remediation specialist.
Be Aware of Food Triggers
Being aware of the foods that contain the same proteins as ragweed pollen can help avoid other possible allergy triggers:
- Bananas
- Melons
- Honey
- Sunflower seeds
- Chamomile tea
These foods have high protein content that’s like ragweed pollen’s protein, so if you suffer from severe allergies, it might be worth avoiding these foods.
Allergy Shots and Over-the-Counter Medications
Treating your allergies with medication is a great way to lessen the symptoms. Many people with frequent symptoms often find nasal steroids as the best treatment. For those with mild allergies, an over-the-counter oral antihistamine may suffice.
You can start taking medication two weeks before the beginning of ragweed season. However, please check in with your doctor to get their approval.
You can also get an allergy shot to help your body develop a tolerance to your specific allergy. You may also find oral tablets that work the same way.
Combating Fall Allergens and Ragweed Pollen
Now you know how to avoid exposure to and minimize your reactions to ragweed pollen and other fall allergens. During the fall, do your best to limit contact and prevent triggering your symptoms. Keep your house as clean as possible, and consider upgrading your air filters.
If you’re looking to upgrade your filters or just find a new place to buy filters, DiscountFilters.com is the place for you. Our American-made AIRx Filters have the highest quality and lowest prices in the industry. Find your AIRx Filter today.
