Fall Harvest and Mold Allergies: Tips for Sensitive Sinuses

Cooler air, pumpkin flavors everywhere, and just a hint of fall in the breeze—Tampa Bay’s take on autumn is finally here! But for those who struggle with seasonal allergies, this shift in weather can mean more than just pumpkin spice; it brings sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion along with it.

While fall allergies might not be emergencies, they can certainly make it tough to enjoy all the festivities. Don't let allergies get in the way of a fun season! With a little prep, you can take on fall without the sniffles and sneezes.

Fall Allergies: What Causes the Symptoms?

People who suffer from seasonal allergies trigger their symptoms by inhaling airborne allergens. These allergens can travel for miles at a time through the air. Breathing in these allergens and irritants will trigger their allergies.

Ragweed pollen is the most common fall allergy trigger. Ragweed grows throughout the United States and releases allergy-causing pollen starting from August through November. Pollen peaks in early to mid-September.

Another fall allergy culprit is mold. Mold is common in the fall season due to rotting leaves. It releases spores into the air, which can also travel for miles at a time. When people with allergies breathe them in, it triggers their symptoms.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergies are diagnosed by allergists, through an allergy test. Your family’s history with allergies, the severity of your symptoms, and your medical history will all be taken into account to get an accurate diagnosis.

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Nasal congesting
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Fatigue

Tips for Sensitive Sinuses: Manage Your Allergies During Fall Season

1. Always check pollen and mold counts before heading out, especially during allergy season.
2. If you can, stay at home instead of going out if allergen counts are especially high.
3. Protect yourself with a face mask before heading out during allergy season.
4. Prevent allergens from sneaking their way into your space by keeping the windows to your house and car closed.
5. Manage and alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms with antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, and allergy medication.
6. Use high-quality filters in your home’s air-conditioning and heating systems. Additionally, invest in dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth and infestation.
7. Always wash your hands and avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent exposure to allergens and triggers.
8. Once you get home from spending time outdoors, immediately change out of your clothes and get in the shower to get rid of any allergens you might’ve picked up.
9. Immunotherapy is an effective way to achieve long-term relief from allergy symptoms. Allergy shots and allergy drops alike introduce allergens to your system in small amounts, helping your body develop immunity from them.

Let Tampa Bay Breathe Free Help Manage Your Allergies

At Tampa Bay Breathe Free, we are committed to helping our patients effectively manage their seasonal allergies come the fall and winter seasons. If you’re ready to face seasonal changes without your usual fall and winter sniffles, request an appointment with one of our experts, and let’s talk about how we can help!