Fall Allergies: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, football games, apple picking and back-to-school routines are all signs that fall has arrived. But for many children and adults, fall also brings something less enjoyable: seasonal allergies. If you find yourself sneezing, congested, coughing, rubbing itchy eyes or dealing with a runny nose every fall, you may be reacting to allergens such as ragweed pollen, mold and dust mites. Fall allergies can also aggravate asthma symptoms in some people.

The good news? You don't have to spend the entire season feeling miserable. Understanding your triggers and having the right treatment plan can make a big difference.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

One of the most common causes of fall seasonal allergies is ragweed pollen. Ragweed can release large amounts of pollen into the air, and the pollen can travel significant distances. Symptoms may include:

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Itchy nose or throat

• Watery or itchy eyes

• Postnasal drip

• Coughing

• Fatigue

• Worsening asthma symptoms

  
  

Fall can also bring increased exposure to mold, particularly around damp leaves, gardens and other areas where moisture accumulates. When cooler weather arrives, families tend to spend more time indoors, and turning on the heat can circulate dust and other indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander throughout the home which can contribute to symptoms as well.

7 Tips to Help Manage Fall Allergies:

1. Know Your Allergy Triggers

One of the best ways to manage allergies is to understand what's causing them. If your symptoms return every fall, allergy testing can help identify whether you're reacting to ragweed, grasses, mold, dust mites, pets or other allergens. Once your triggers are identified, your allergist can create a treatment plan specifically for you.

2. Keep an Eye on Pollen Counts

On days when pollen levels are high, try to limit prolonged outdoor exposure when possible. Keeping windows closed can also help reduce the amount of outdoor pollen entering your home.

3. Shower and Change Clothes After Being Outdoors

Pollen can collect on your hair, skin and clothing. After spending time outside, especially during high-pollen days, changing clothes and showering can help reduce the amount of pollen you bring indoors.

4. Be Careful Around Wet Leaves and Mold

Raking leaves and working in damp outdoor areas can increase exposure to mold spores. If mold is one of your allergy triggers, consider having someone else handle wet leaves and other mold-prone yard debris.

5. Keep Your Home Allergy-Friendly

As temperatures drop, we naturally spend more time indoors. Regular cleaning can help reduce exposure to indoor allergens.

Consider:

• Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter

• Dusting with a damp cloth

• Washing bedding regularly in hot water

• Keeping pets out of the bedroom if you're allergic to them

• Addressing visible mold and sources of excess moisture

• Keeping indoor spaces well ventilated and indoor humidity at a comfortable, lower level, since dust mites thrive in humidity.

• Consider dust-mite-proof covers for mattresses and pillows.

6. Don't Wait Until Symptoms Are Severe

For people who know they experience seasonal allergies, starting an appropriate treatment plan before or around the beginning of allergy season may help reduce symptoms. Allergy medications can include antihistamines and nasal medications, depending on a person's symptoms and medical needs. If over-the-counter medications aren't providing enough relief, it may be time to talk with an allergy specialist about the next steps to find relief.

7. Pay Attention to Asthma Symptoms

Fall can be a challenging season for people with asthma. Ragweed pollen, mold, respiratory infections and other seasonal triggers can contribute to increased asthma symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing more coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, talk with your healthcare provider about whether your asthma treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

Allergy Treatment Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

Everyone experiences allergies differently. That's why an individualized treatment plan can be so important. At the Allergy and Asthma Center of Minnesota, we see both children and adults and offer a variety of options to help identify and manage allergy symptoms. We go above and beyond to offer personalized treatment plans based on your specific triggers, symptoms, and lifestyle.

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing can help determine which allergens may be responsible for your symptoms. Identifying your specific triggers gives your allergy specialist the information needed to develop a personalized treatment approach.

Allergy Medications

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, medications may be recommended to help control sneezing, congestion, itching, runny nose and other allergy symptoms.

Allergy Shots

For some patients, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) may be an option. Allergy shots gradually expose the immune system to specific allergens with the goal of reducing sensitivity and allergy symptoms over time. Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief for many people with allergic rhinitis. Studies show that approximately 80–90% of individuals who complete allergy shot therapy experience long-term symptom relief and reduced reliance on allergy medications.

In children, allergy shots may also help prevent the progression of allergic rhinitis into asthma and reduce the development of new allergies over time.

Allergy Drops

Sublingual allergy treatment, commonly referred to as allergy drops, is another form of immunotherapy we offer for environmental allergies.  Allergy drops are a form of immunotherapy designed to treat the underlying cause of allergies rather than just masking symptoms. Instead of injections, small amounts of allergen extract are placed under the tongue daily. Over time, this gradual exposure helps retrain the immune system so it reacts less strongly to allergens. Allergy drops are used under the guidance of an allergy specialist and may be an option for certain patients. It's important to discuss the benefits, limitations and appropriate use of this treatment with your allergist.

The bottom line: Don't let fall allergies keep you indoors! You shouldn't have to choose between enjoying fall and dealing with allergy symptoms. Whether you're a parent watching your child struggle with constant congestion and sneezing, a student trying to get through the school day, or an adult who feels miserable every time the seasons change, finding the cause of your symptoms is an important first step.

Ready to get relief from fall allergies? Schedule an appointment with our allergy and asthma clinic to find out what's causing your symptoms and explore your treatment options.