Fall allergies: 6 effective ways to prevent them and when to seek help

Days are getting shorter, leaves are turning and there’s a chill in the air, but this doesn’t guarantee that your seasonal allergies will subside.

Unfortunately for those who suffer from allergies, allergens can pop up in abundance at any time of year, not just in the spring. But no matter what season it is, you are looking for some relief. So, let’s explore some ways to prevent and relieve seasonal allergies, but first, let’s look at why allergies occur in the fall.

Why do pollen allergies exist?

People can develop allergies to a wide variety of things, from cow’s milk to pet dander to, of course, pollen. But why do we get allergies in the first place?

All types of allergies are the result of your body’s immune system and how it reacts to various substances. Your immune system responds the way it does because of genetics, environmental factors or a combination of both. Some people are simply predisposed to allergies that can be made worse by specific environments. 

If you move to a new city or state and find that your allergies flare up again after a few years of initial relief, that’s an environmental factor at work. When we’re in a new place, it can take our immune systems up to three to five years to start treating local allergens as foreign invaders, according to allergist William Reisacher, M.D. So, if you are prone to allergies, they may pop up at various times throughout your life, so you need a plan for relief. 

What allergens are common in the fall?

While pollen from trees like oaks, maples, and elms is usually the culprit of springtime allergies, ragweed pollen runs rampant during the fall, causing fall allergies that can be just as severe as those in the spring.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), 10 to 20 percent of Americans have ragweed allergies. These allergens are more concentrated in some regions of the country. The AAFA ranks the top 100 most challenging US cities for seasonal allergies in its annual report. Here are the top 10 for 2024:

1. Wichita, Kansas
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Dallas, Texas
5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
7. Richmond, Virginia
8. Des Moines, Iowa
9. Raleigh, North Carolina
10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

To make matters worse, rising average temperatures are making ragweed season last even longer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In some areas, it’s been extended by nearly a month:

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Mold is another potential offender for allergies in the fall. According to ear, nose and throat expert Michael Beninger, M.D., piles of damp fall leaves can result in a proliferation of mold — even rotting Halloween pumpkins can be a trigger.

Six ways to fight fall allergies naturally

There are several ways you can effectively prepare for and treat fall allergies without using over-the-counter or prescription medications. Here are six natural remedies for fall allergies:

1. Remove allergens from your home. 

Start by keeping your air as clean as possible by using portable air purifiers and turning on your HVAC system if you have one. Just make sure that your filters and ducts are properly installed and maintained. 

1. Avoid mold whenever you can. 

If possible, have someone else rake your leaves or do any necessary yard work. Make sure to throw away jack-o-lanterns before they start to rot. 

1. Make sure your clothes are allergen-free. 

Remove allergens from your clothes and bedding by washing them regularly in hot water, especially after spending time outside.

1. Wear an N95 for outdoor chores.

Consider wearing an N95 respirator or mask, which will filter out airborne particles including allergens, if you have to mow the lawn, rake leaves or do other outdoor chores. You can buy N95 respirators in most home improvement, hardware stores, or local discount stores. Look for the term “N95” printed on the packaging.

1. Relieve symptoms with a saline nasal spray.

Using a saline spray can relieve some of your fall allergy symptoms by helping clean out mucus from the nasal passages.

1. Consider a nasal rinse.

Use a nasal rinse, which can provide a deeper clean by washing away allergens and mucus (just be careful to use them properly).

Seniors and children: take special care with allergies

Seniors should be especially vigilant about treating fall allergies and should see a doctor right away if they begin experiencing symptoms. According to the AAFA, allergies cause at least 30 percent of adult asthma cases, which can pose a significant risk to seniors – older adults are more likely than younger people to develop respiratory failure as a result of asthma. If you’re caring for a senior or are one yourself, be sure to avoid unnecessary exposure to allergens and see a doctor as soon as any signs of fall allergies appear. 

If you’re caring for a young child, also keep in mind that it can be difficult to notice symptoms of seasonal allergies in children. If you see your child exhibiting symptoms like an unusually runny nose, excessive sneezing, persistent nasal congestion or watery eyes, begin treating them with the natural remedies for fall allergies discussed above. Consider taking them to a doctor if their symptoms worsen or start to have a significant impact on their daily life. 

Although fall may not offer much relief from the allergy symptoms you’ve been experiencing since spring, if you’re armed with the right tools, you can keep your symptoms under control all autumn long. Don't forget about food allergies in Halloween candy. These 5 safety rules for Halloween are some excellent reminders in addition to allergies to be mindful of.

When to seek urgent care for allergies

Many people wonder when they should seek urgent care for fall allergies. An urgent care center can help identify the cause of non-severe and non-life-threatening allergies and deal with the symptoms. 
If your allergy symptoms worsen or become too much to tolerate, visit one of our urgent care centers, where a provider can recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication that’s right for you.

You may be asked to get an allergy test to determine which specific allergen is causing you trouble, and immunotherapy treatments (allergy shots) can be offered if necessary.

To get started, find the nearest center and walk in or save your spot online. We are here 365 days a year with extended hours to help you beat those allergies in the fall and any time of the year. 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1661616/
2. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/science/can-you-get-allergies-after-moving-to-a-new-city.html
3. https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/ragweed-pollen/
4. https://aafa.org/asthma-allergy-research/allergy-capitals/
5. https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-ragweed-pollen-season
6. https://weather.com/health/pollen/news/fall-leaves-problematic-mold-allergy-patients-20131030
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165134/
8. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-face-masks-and-barrier-face-coverings
9. https://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/adult-onset-asthma/

Written by Sarah Thebarge, Physician Assistant