If you have asthma, it can often be triggered by seasonal allergies. People most often think of seasonal allergies occurring during spring and summer, but they still persist during fall. While pollen is the main culprit of allergies in spring, fall allergies are caused by a different host of allergens.
Ragweed
This flowering weed blooms in August and stays around until the weather gets cold enough to freeze it. It is most common in the East and the Midwest.
Mold and Mildew
While mold and mildew grow year-round, the damp fall leaves provide a perfect breeding ground. Mold and mildew can also continue to grow indoors throughout the year. The mold and mildew spores are not killed during the first frost, but usually go dormant during winter.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are a year-round allergen, but in fall when in-home heat sources are first turned on, they can be blown throughout the home. Dust mites die in the extreme temperatures and lower humidity of winter, but it’s impossible to completely get rid of dust mites in your home.
How to Avoid Fall Allergens:
- Monitor the pollen count and stay indoors when it is high, usually between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Keep windows closed in the house and the car
- Vacuum, dust and clean regularly
- Remove leaves from gutters, dispose of piles of leaves and keep them away from the house
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels below 50 percent
- Clean air vents before turning heating on
Talk to your doctor about your options for medicine to treat fall allergies. Remember if you have asthma, know and try to avoid your triggers, keep your medicine with you at all times and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.