Why Are My Allergies Getting Worse in Late Summer?
Just when you thought you had made it through another long allergy season, the sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and runny nose seem to return—or perhaps they never really went away.
If your allergies are getting worse in August, you aren’t imagining it. Late summer can bring a new wave of allergy triggers, including weed pollen, mold, and lingering grass pollen. For some people, this can make the transition from summer into fall especially uncomfortable.
Ragweed: The Fall Allergy Season Is Already Starting
When most people think about fall allergies, ragweed is one of the biggest culprits.
Ragweed typically begins producing pollen in late summer and can continue into the fall. Even though the weather may still feel very much like summer, ragweed pollen can already be circulating in the air.
Common symptoms of ragweed allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy nose or throat
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Coughing or worsening asthma symptoms
If you notice these symptoms returning around the same time every year, seasonal pollen may be playing a role.
Don’t Forget About Mold
Mold is another important allergy trigger during the warmer months. Outdoor mold can grow in soil, grass, leaves, and other organic material, while indoor mold can develop wherever there is excess moisture.
If you are sensitive to mold, exposure can cause many of the same symptoms as pollen allergies, including sneezing, congestion, irritated eyes, coughing, and wheezing.
Summer heat, humidity, and moisture can all create conditions where mold thrives. Yardwork can also stir up mold spores, making outdoor chores particularly unpleasant for people with mold allergies.
Why Do My Allergies Feel Like They Never End?
One reason allergy season can be so frustrating is that different allergens become more prominent throughout the year.
Tree pollen may dominate in the spring. Grass pollen can become a problem as the weather warms. Then weeds, including ragweed, begin producing pollen in late summer and fall. Mold can also be present during different times of the year.
If you are allergic to multiple triggers, it may feel like your allergies simply never stop.
The symptoms can also look very similar from one trigger to another. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose don’t necessarily tell you exactly what is causing the problem.
That’s why identifying your specific allergens can be so helpful.
How to Get Ahead of Late-Summer Allergies
If you know that late summer and fall are difficult times for your allergies, don’t wait until your symptoms are at their worst to make a plan.
A few simple strategies can help reduce your exposure:
Watch the pollen count
Pay attention to daily pollen levels and try to limit prolonged outdoor activities when counts are particularly high.
Keep pollen outside
Keep windows closed when pollen levels are high and use your home’s air conditioning to help keep indoor air more comfortable.
Change after spending time outdoors
Pollen can collect on your clothing, hair, and skin. After spending a long time outside, changing clothes and showering can help keep those allergens from following you into bed.
Be careful with yardwork
Mowing, gardening, and other outdoor chores can stir up pollen and mold. If you are particularly sensitive, consider wearing a well-fitting mask while working outdoors and showering afterward.
Don’t ignore worsening asthma symptoms
Allergens can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in some people. If you are coughing, wheezing, experiencing chest tightness, or needing your rescue medication more often than usual, talk with your doctor.
When Should You See an Allergist?
If your allergy symptoms are interfering with your sleep, work, school, exercise, or ability to enjoy the outdoors, you don’t have to simply put up with them.
An allergist can help determine what is triggering your symptoms and develop a treatment plan based on your specific allergies. Depending on your symptoms and allergy testing results, treatment may include medications, environmental changes, allergy shots, or allergy drops.
And if your usual allergy medication isn’t providing the relief it once did, that’s another good reason to talk with your allergist rather than simply adding more medications on your own.
Don’t Let Late-Summer Allergies Ruin the Rest of Your Summer
August may feel like the end of summer, but for many allergy sufferers, it can be the beginning of another challenging season.
Knowing your triggers and taking steps to manage them before symptoms become severe can make a big difference. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your symptoms—or you’re struggling to keep them under control—Dr. Hallett can help you find a better approach to managing your allergies and asthma.
Ready to breathe easier? Contact Dr. Hallett to learn more about allergy testing and treatment options.