Arrival of Fall Doesn't Give Reprieve to Seasonal Allergy Sufferers

allergy

Managing Fall Allergies
Here are a few tips for easing fall allergy symptoms:

  • Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to avoid being exposed to your allergy triggers. To keep track of the pollen count in your area, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology web site at www.aaaai.org.
  • Before you turn on your heat for the first time, have your heating ducts cleaned. Particles of mold and other allergens can become trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you crank up the furnace.
  • Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air.
  • Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home between 35 and 50 percent humidity.
  • Wear a mask when you rake leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.
Source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; WebMD

The flowers are no longer blooming, and the air has turned crisp and cool. But much to the dismay of the more than 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, the arrival of the fall pollen season brings no relief until the first frost ends the growing season.

The Cause Fall Allergies
Male plants release tiny cells called pollen into the air in order to reproduce. When these pollen or other allergy triggers get into the noses of certain people, their immune system mistakes them as foreign invaders and releases antibodies – helpful substances that normally identify and go after bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.

Ragweed, which is the most common outdoor allergen in the fall, is most prevalent throughout the Northeast, South and Midwest, and commonly found in fields and along roadsides. In urban areas, ragweed grows in abundance in vacant lots. Each ragweed plant produces one billion pollen grains per average season, and the wind can carry those grains up to 400 miles due to their lightweight texture. So even if it doesn’t grown where you live, ragweed can still make you miserable if you’re allergic to it.

Mold is another culprit, because its spores can easily get airborne. Mold thrives in damp areas, both indoors and outdoors. The piles of damp leaves that line yards and streets in the fall are breeding grounds for mold, as are damp basements and bathrooms at home.

Dust mites – microscopic, spider-like insects – are yet another common indoor allergen. They are most prevalent during the humid summer months, but can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your furnace in the fall. From the air, dust mites can make their way into your nose, triggering sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

Children and Fall Allergies
For children, the start of a new school year can also mean the beginning of fall allergy symptoms. Dust mites and mold both flourish in schools. Add to that chalk dust, which can get airborne with the bang of an eraser and trigger wheezing in children with asthma.

What are the Symptoms of Fall Allergies?
Allergy symptoms caused by ragweed, pollen, or mold are called allergic rhinitis (hay fever). These symptoms include:

  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy eyes and nose
  • Dark circles under the eyes

People with allergies to ragweed can also develop an itchy throat and mouth – a condition called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) – when they eat banana, cucumber, melon, or certain other fruits and vegetables.
                 
Even though you can buy some allergy medications without a prescription, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor first to make sure you choose the right medication. Some antihistamines can make you feel sleepy, so you need to be careful when taking them during the day. Read the packaging label – some of these products are only meant to be used for a few days.

 

 

logos

400 Field Drive | Lake Forest, IL 60045 | 847.615.1500 | www.trustmarkins.com

plan availability and/or coverage may vary by state.

Copyright ©2009 Trustmark Life Insurance Company. Information in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from Trustmark Life Insurance Company. The articles contained within this newsletter are not a promise of coverage and are not meant to replace professional medical advice or service. Personal health issues should be discussed with your physician. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance or Policy for complete benefit information.
logo