As September arrives, not only do the leaves fall from the trees, but fall allergies also start to appear. The causes of these allergies range from mold on damp surfaces to pollen, however, there are other triggers for these reactions to avoid. If you’re in Lamesa, Texas, and want to prepare for fall allergy season, this article will help you understand the main causes of these allergic reactions and how the primary care professionals from South Plains Rural Health Services approach them.
Fall Allergy Symptoms: Is It the Same as a Cold?
When you start experiencing a fall allergy, you may mistake it for a cold, but what sets them apart is the symptoms and their duration. Most colds last only for a few days, while seasonal allergies persist from two weeks to three months. What makes allergies last for a longer time are the plant pollen levels being at their highest. Common symptoms of fall allergies include:
- Congestion.
- Itchy eyes.
- Runny nose.
- Constant sneezing.
- Mild coughing.
- Postnasal drip.
- Headaches.
💡Discover: Find Relief from Seasonal Allergies: Understanding Your Triggers
3 Common Triggers for Fall Allergies
Identifying the triggers for fall allergies is crucial when it comes to avoiding them. They are mostly caused by environmental conditions like pollen, mold, dust mites, and other allergens that provoke an allergic reaction in many residents of Lamesa, Texas. Some of the causes for these allergies are the following:
- Ragweed
- Mold Spores
- Dust Mites
1. Ragweed
A single ragweed plant produces around one billion pollen grains per year, making it the main cause behind fall allergies. They start blooming mid-August and often last until November when the first signs of winter arrive. Although it usually grows in the Midwest, its pollen travels through the wind and reaches multiple parts of the U.S. One of the most distinctive signs of ragweed allergies is experiencing itching or swelling in the throat after eating fruits and vegetables like bananas or cucumbers.
Other weeds that pollinate during the fall and cause allergic reactions include:
- Mugwort.
- Lamb’s quarters.
- Pigweed.
- Russian thistle.
- Nettle
2. Mold Spores
Outside of pollen, mold spores from the outdoors are a persistent problem during the rainy days of fall. Decaying leaves, compost piles, rotting logs, and wet soils are organic matter where mold thrives and releases spores into the air. But this issue isn’t limited to outdoor spaces, indoor mold that is trapped in vents is also a cause for allergic reactions.
3. Dust Mites
Although dust mites are present all year-round, they become worse during fall season, as they thrive in moderate humidity. When the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, dust mites start to appear in the bedding, upholstery, and carpets. If you turn on the heater, it can blow dust mite particles into the air.
Lamesa, Texas’ Most Common Allergens
Texas’ climate conditions allow for plants to grow throughout the year, which results in a long allergy season that affects 1 in every 3 adults, and 1 in every 4 children. Texas is the home to plant species like oak, cedar, and mesquite trees, which all have one thing in common: they produce high levels of pollen.
On the other hand, when the cool weather that comes with fall causes people to spend more time indoors, increasing the exposure to indoor allergens like mites and mold, making this season a difficult one for people who are sensitive to these infections.
FAQ
How can I prevent fall allergies?
Minimize contact with allergens by constantly checking local pollen forecasts, keeping your windows closed to block airborne pollen, changing your clothes and showering after spending time outdoors to avoid bringing allergens into your home, and wearing an N95 mask to do yard work.
What are the complications of fall allergies?
An untreated fall allergy exacerbates pre-existing conditions like asthma, leading to frequent attacks and reduced lung function. Allergies can also lead to sinus congestion and inflammation, making you more vulnerable to sinusitis.
When should I go to the doctor?
If medications aren’t providing you adequeate relief, consider consulting with the primary care professionals from South Plains Rural Health in Lamesa, Texas. They can offer you long-term treatments and a personalized approach to your symptoms.
Treat Your Fall Allergies in Lamesa, Texas
Choosing the right clinic means choosing healthcare providers that offer you the treatments that you need, regardless of the season. At South Plains Rural Health, patients receive tailored treatment and a comprehensive approach focused on preventing fall allergies from damaging their respiratory health. Contact us to book your appointment and assess your symptoms.