When people talk about seasonal allergies, many people think about the allergies they deal with in the spring. As plants begin to bloom during the beginning of spring, allergies can be at their worst. Many people don’t realize that allergies can also resurface at the beginning of fall.
There are a few reasons for this. Different allergy triggers may be stronger in the fall than in the spring, like ragweed pollen. Fall is also a windy time of year, which is part of what carries pollen back into everyone’s daily lives.
You may feel like your only choice is to take a Benadryl and wait out your fall allergy symptoms, but there’s more you can do. Check out these smart tips for combating fall allergies so you can have a pleasant fall season before winter sets in.
- Deep Clean Your Home
Spring pollen is easy to spot because of its bright yellow color. When it’s on your shoes and clothing, you can recognize where it is and get rid of it. Fall pollen is a bit harder to spot, which is why it’s good to deep clean your home when your allergy symptoms appear.
Pollen can get tracked into your home on your shoes and settle into your carpet. Any open windows allow more pollen to drift inside and land on furniture, ceiling fans and countertops.
Take some time during the weekend to clean every inch of your home. Here are a few ways to clean where pollen collects the most often:
- Wipe down windows
- Vacuum the floor
- Clean ceiling and desk fans
- Wash jackets and shoes
Cleaning your home gives you a fresh start and a safe place to avoid allergens.
- Bathe Your Pets
If your pets spend significant time outside, they probably collect pollen in their fur without knowing it. Once they’re inside, the pollen goes where they go. The couch, the carpet, your bed and even floor mats become a home for allergens.
That’s why you should bathe your pets if your fall allergies start to act up. Dogs can be bathed every other week with gentle shampoo, while cats should only be washed once a month.
- Replace Your Air Filters
Air conditioning is so wrapped up with our daily lives that you may forget that it’s running most of the time. When was the last time you replaced your air filters?
Air filters should be replaced every few months to prevent dust and allergens from being circulated around your home. Consider investing in HEPA filters, which are made with a fine mesh that’s meant to specifically trap pollen and other allergens. Give your new air filters some time to provide relief, as this tip is meant for more long-term protection.
- Build Your Immune System
During the fall, people often take supplements to protect themselves from getting sick, but boosting your immune system can actually help with allergies too.
Part of your immune system is meant to fight and defend against allergies, so it’s not just there to protect you against viruses. Take a daily vitamin C supplement and even a probiotic to build your immune system. As your gut becomes healthier, your immune system strengthens and your allergies will disappear.
- Wear a Face Mask
Fall is usually the last part of the year that people need to do yard work. Even if your fall yard work isn’t as labor-intensive as it is during the spring, it’s still a good idea to wear a face mask.
A good face mask will shield you from inhaling allergens as you work around your property. You won’t need to run inside every few minutes to blow your nose and there won’t be any lingering side effects from pollen left in your nasal cavity afterward.
- Try a Dehumidifier
People who aren’t used to having a dehumidifier in the home may not consider buying one to reduce allergy symptoms. However, it may be exactly what you need to stop your itchy throat and runny nose.
Some homes that are older or have higher humidity rates have an unknown mold problem. Mold triggers the same allergic reactions that pollen does, which is why so many people deal with the symptoms every year.
Invest in an indoor humidity monitor to check your home’s humidity level. If it’s above 50%, mold may be what you’re allergic to. Set your humidifier to lower your home’s humidity to between 35-45%. You may begin to feel the relief you’re looking for overnight.
- Visit an Allergist
Whether or not you try any of the previous tips, you should consider visiting an allergist to learn more about what you’re allergic to. They may point out specific pollens your body’s reacting to or allergens you haven’t considered.
Quite a variety of ways exists to combat fall allergies. Try a few simple strategies to see what works for you so your fall season is the most enjoyable one yet.
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