Beautiful and serene, the fall is a time of transition for many people. School is back in session, vacation time has ended, and the holidays lurk around the corner. The fall also marks the onset of cold and flu season, which for some is compounded by seasonal fall allergies. As a sufferer, it can be difficult not to let your symptoms ruin the season.
Identifying the Symptoms
The cold, flu, and allergies share many of the same symptoms: nasal congestion, sniffling, itchy and watery eyes. Allergies, however, will never be accompanied by a fever or vomiting, though you may notice some wheezing or even a rash and hives on the skin. They also will not respond to cold medications.
Cold and flu viruses tend to have set life cycles, while allergy symptoms will last as long as the allergen is present. If your symptoms are fleeting (only in one room or when you do a certain activity) or constant for weeks, you’re most likely suffering from allergies.
Identifying the Cause
During the fall and spring, male plants release pollen into the air, triggering allergic reactions in some people. The types of pollen released in spring and fall are different, so it’s possible to experience symptoms only during one season or the other. During the fall, ragweed is the biggest trigger.
Mold spores, produced by decaying fallen leaves and plant life and increased in damp weather, are another culprit. Those with the allergy will be immediately sensitive if mold spores are present in the air, so do not ignore symptoms. “You may not even realize the mold is there – but if you’re sensitive you’ll react with coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, or irritated eyes” (Davis).
Dust mites circulating inside the home may also be a factor, now that your windows and doors are closed up for the colder seasons and the air conditioner has been shut off. Heating systems can also trap both dust and mold inside the filters, releasing the harmful agents directly into the air you’re breathing.
Whatever the cause, the effects and the treatments are the same.
The Body’s Reaction
When the pollen and mold spores interact with the human body, an allergy sufferer’s immune system “mistakenly sees them as foreign invaders and releases antibodies – substances that normally identify and go after bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms” (Hoffman). That’s why allergic symptoms can be so similar to those of a cold.
Keep in mind that when your immune system is occupied with killing off “harmful” allergens, it is weakened and the white cell count in your blood may be lowered. You could become more susceptible to contracting seasonal viruses at that time. Treating and preventing allergens will help preserve your body’s immune system and keep other illnesses at bay.
What You Can Do
Some slight changes to your indoor and outdoor environment may be in order if you can’t seem to get relief. Nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, or allergy shots may help to control your body’s reaction and curb your symptoms, but controlling your exposure is the first step.
Steps to Control Indoor Exposure
Here are a few things you can do to control indoor exposure to allergens:
- Close the windows to avoid pollen collection in the home.
- Filtrate the air with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove pollen, mold, dust and other allergens from the air (Hoffman).
- Regulate the humidity level in your home to 40 percent or lower to reduce mold spore production.
- For mold allergies, avoid certain kinds of food, eliminate fish tanks and aquatic life from the home, use a strong mold-killing agent to clean your bathroom, and give away your houseplants.
- Keep basement and garage areas dry and store clothing and other goods in plastic totes instead of boxes.
- Clean the heating filters before you turn the system on for the winter.
- Wash your sheets, blankets, and comforters in hot water each week and bathe your pets to reduce the spread of particulates and dust mites.
Steps to Control Outdoor Exposure
Here are a few things you can do to control outdoor exposure to allergens:
- Remove piles of damp leaves and yard waste. Do not keep a compost heap nearby. These are mold breeding grounds and may release mold spores that travel into the home or settle into your fall jacket.
- If you must do yard work, always wear a mask to avoid inhaling mold spores (Hoffman).
- After spending time outside, take a shower to remove pollen from your hair and skin (DampRid). Also remove your shoes and jacket immediately to reduce the spread of pollen in the home.
References:
DampRid. (2009). Tips for Dealing with Fall Allergies. Medical News Today. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
Davis, J. L. (2008, December). Mold and Allergies: 10 Ways to Reduce Symptoms. WebMD. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://www.webmd.com
Hoffman, Dr. M. (2008, April). Fall Allergies. WebMD. Retrieved October 14, 2009 from http://www.webmd.com
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