Fall allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, fatigue, and more. Learn what triggers them and how to manage symptoms for a healthier, more comfortable season.
For many people fall means crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy sweaters. But for allergy sufferers, autumn also brings sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and even fatigue. Seasonal allergies in the fall are mainly triggered by pollens, fungi, dust mites, furry animals, and insect emanations, all of which can make this time of year difficult to enjoy [1,2].
The good news? With the right prevention strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and treatments, you can manage symptoms and breathe easier throughout the season, including using the NasoNeb® Sinus Therapy System to support nasal health.
Common Fall Allergies Triggers
- Ragweed pollen: Ragweed can be a common fall allergen, releasing billions of pollen grains into the air from late August through October. Even if ragweed doesn't grow in your area, wind can carry its pollen for hundreds of miles.
- Mold spores: Damp piles of fallen leaves and rainy weather create the perfect environment for mold growth. When disturbed, mold spores become airbone and trigger allergy symptoms [2].
- Dust mites: As the weather cools, we spend more time indoors. Dust mites (tiny creatures that live in bedding, carpets, and upholstery) can flare up symptoms in the fall and a higher concentration is normally found during fall season [1].
- Pet dander: Increased indoor time can also mean more exposure to pet dander, which can worsen allergic reaction for some individuals.
- Smoke and pollution: Autumn often brings wood-burning fires and increased outdoor air pollution, which can irritate the respiratory system.
How Fall Allergies Affect Your Health
If your hay fever starts acting up when a new season begins, you are not alone. Over 25% of adults in America have seasonal allergies [6]. Allergic reactions in the fall can affect more than just your nose and eyes. Common symptoms of fall allergies include:
- Respiratory symptoms: congestion, sneezing, coughing, postnasal drip.
- Eye irritation: itchy, watery, or red eyes.
- Sleep disruption: nasal blockage can lead to poor-quality sleep, leaving you tired and irritable.
- Exacerbation of asthma: allergies can trigger or worsen asthma attacks in sensitive individuals [4].
- Reduced focus and productivity: allergy-related fatigue can affect work, school, and daily tasks.
Tips for Coping with Fall Allergies
Stay Ahead with a Prevention Strategy
- Check pollen counts daily. On high-pollen days, limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed.
- Shower and change clothes after being outside to avoid carrying pollen indoors.
- Wear a mask outdoors if pollen counts are high, especially while raking levels.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor allergens.
Manage Mold and Dust Indoors
- Clean up fallen leaves promptly to prevent mold buildup.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% using a dehumidifier [3].
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to control dust mites [3].
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly using a vacuum with HEPA filter [3].
Support Your Nose with Saline Rinses
Regular nasal irrigation helps clear pollen, mold, and dust from the nasal passages, reducing congestion and irritation [5]. Stay prepared during allergy season with the tools you need to remove allergens from the nasal passages before they trigger symptoms.
The NasoNeb® Sinus Therapy System provides a gentle and effective way to perform nasal irrigation at home. Stay prepared during allergy season with the tools you need to remove allergens from the nasal passages before they trigger symptoms.
Use Medications Wisely
While allergy symptoms may have you reaching for the nearest decongestant, it is important to understand a medication's intended use, as misusing nasal sprays can lead to unwanted side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new medications.
- Antihistamines: reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays: effective for congestion and inflammation.
- Decongestants: provide short-term relief but should not be overused.
- Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new medications.
Consider Allergy Treatments
If your symptoms are severe, an allergist may recommend a personalized treatment that might contain allergy shots (immunotherapy) or sublingual tablets. These therapies can reduce your sensitivity to allergens over time.
Lifestyle Tips for Allergy Relief
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen times.
- Use hypoallergenic bedding.
- Limit indoor plants that may encourage mold growth
- Drink plenty water to help thin mucus and support overall health.
- Practice gentle nasal breathing exercises to help clear airways.
- Incorporate the NasoNeb® system into your routine to maintain clear nasal passages and reduce allergy discomfort.
Fall allergies can be frustrating, but they do not have to take over the season. By understanding triggers, taking preventive steps, and using the right treatments form saline rinses o medical therapies, you can reduce symptoms and enjoy autumn with greater comfort
References:
¹ Wallace, D. V., Dykewicz, M. S., American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (n.d.).The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: An updated practice parameter. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: An updated practice parameter
² Portnoy, J., Miller, J. D., Williams, P. B., Chew, G. L., Miller, J. D., Zaitoun, F., Phipatanakul, W., Kennedy, K., Barnes, C., Carl Grimes, CIEC, Larenas-Linnemann, D., Sublett, J., Bernstein, D., Blessing-Moore, J., Khan, D., Lang, D., Nicklas, R., Oppenheimer, J., Randolph, C., . . . Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (n.d.). Environmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter. InJoint Task Force on Practice ParametersEnvironmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter
³ Controlling dust, dust mites, and other allergens in your home. (n.d.).
⁴ Busse WW, et al. Asthma and allergy: advances in mechanisms and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015. Mechanisms of asthma.
⁵ Harvey, R., Hannan, S. A., Badia, L., Scadding, G. (2007b). Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
⁶ Ng AE, Boersma P. Diagnosed allergic conditions in adults: United States, 2021. NCHS Data Bried, no 460. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc: 122809
