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FALL ALLERGIES 101

ABOUT FALL ALLERGIES

So, the blooms of summer have faded, but your allergy symptoms are back. Although the triggers are different, fall can be just as troublesome for allergy sufferers as spring or summer. While tree pollen dominates during the spring and grass pollen during the summer, fall has a few allergy culprits of its own that can be particularly problematic.

 

 

CAUSES OF FALL ALLERGIES

  • Ragweed

    Allergic to pollen-producing plants? Then there’s a good chance you’re allergic to ragweed pollen.1 Although ragweed only lives for 1 season, a single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains, capable of traveling hundreds of miles on the wind.2

  • Mold

    Mold thrives in damp indoor and outdoor environments (leaf piles, rotten logs, basements, and bathrooms). Unlike pollen, mold doesn't die with the first frost; instead, it stops growing and lays dormant until the weather warms. Just in time for spring.4

  • Dust Mites

    Dust mites, or more specifically, dust mite waste, is a common indoor allergen that can be found in many places around the house—furniture, carpets, bedding, and stuffed toys.5

FALL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

How do you know it’s fall allergies and not a cold? While symptoms can appear similar, there are some important differences. For starters, with allergies your mucus will most likely be clear and thin. Other symptoms might include:

• nasal congestion

• runny nose

• sneezing

• itchy, watery eyes

FALL ALLERGY TIPS AND TREATMENTS

Calendar of fall pollen count

KEEP AN EYE ON THE POLLEN COUNT

Fall is prime time for family outings like apple picking, hiking, and viewing fall leaves. Before you go, always check the pollen count for where you’re headed.

Cleaning to reduce fall allergy triggers like dust and mold from the home

GET CLEANING

Spring isn’t the only time of year for cleaning house. During the summer, allergens like dust mites and mold make themselves comfortable, and pollen can drift in through open windows and clog air conditioner filters. Here are 3 ways to get your home ready for fall.

Allergy nasal spray to relieve allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy eyes

TREAT YOUR ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

You can do everything in your power to reduce allergens, but you can’t get rid of them entirely. That’s why it’s important to manage symptoms daily. Unlike most allergy pills, once-daily FLONASE Allergy Relief nasal sprays relieve nasal congestion,* plus sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes,** so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your symptoms.

*vs single-ingredient antihistamines that do not treat nasal congestion.

**FLONASE SENSIMIST is indicated for itchy, watery eyes in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

Sources:

  1. Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis Frequently Asked Questions | Marshfield Clinic Health System. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/specialties/allergies/allergies-allergic-and-non-allergic-rhinitis-frequently-asked-questions
  2. Ragweed Allergy | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America New England Chapter. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from http://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/ragweed-allergy/
  3. Mold Allergy | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America New England Chapter. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from http://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/mold-allergy/
  4. Dust Mite Allergy | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America New England Chapter. (n.d.). Retrieved June, 18, 2018, from http://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/dust-mite-allergy/