Often, when the light begins to change in August, subtly, but changing nonetheless, we sigh with relief over cooler days ahead (eventually) and Friday nights at the football field. We forget what lurks in fall…POLLEN. LOTS of POLLEN. Here in Texas, while the leaves are turning and the pumpkins are getting harvested, lots of pollen is also blowing around. If you’ve been thinking that your allergies are worse in the fall than in the spring, you’re not wrong. Here are several reasons why fall allergies are worse.

More concentrated allergens

The sheer amount of pollen coming from elm trees, timothy grass, ragweed, and other fall weeds like sagebrush and kochia, can cause your body’s immune system to go into overdrive, sending out histamines to stave off what it considers a threat. This multiples when Mountain Cedar pollen gets thrown in in late fall to winter too.

Longer Season

The fall season typically runs from August / Back to School time until late November or early December in some places. Because of that long season, symptoms seem to just linger much longer than they do in the spring.

Other Allergens

Dust mites, which often go dormant in the summer when it’s hot, make a comeback in the fall when everyone is cozy and staying inside more. Even if you think you’re avoiding allergens by not going outside as often, dust mites can trigger the same immune response. Similarly, mold spores tend to increase in the fall as well.

Other Factors

We are often all outside more in the fall because the temperatures are so nice! Usually we’re enjoying time with our families hiking, picking pumpkins, and being surrounded by wildflowers and weeds. We leave our windows open because it feels nice to have a fresh breeze, but with that breeze comes pollen.

If you know you struggle with seasonal fall allergies, prepare by being pro-active with your over the counter allergy medications, and be sure to contact us if you’re interested in seeing if allergy drops or shots are right for you.