Fall allergies — and how to avoid them
Many people associate seasonal allergies with springtime, when plants, flowers, and grasses begin to bloom. But fall is also a difficult time for allergy sufferers, particularly those sensitive to ragweed pollen. This yellow-flowered plant begins producing pollen in late summer, and continues into the fall. And like many types of pollen, ragweed pollen travels on the wind and can be carried hundreds of miles — so you don't need to live near it to be affected by it.
Allergic reactions are inappropriate, overblown responses mounted by the body’s immune system against a harmless substance. Take ragweed pollen, for example. Ragweed pollen is not poisonous, infectious, or in any way harmful to humans. But in some people, it triggers an attack by the immune system — an allergic reaction. When this happens, the ragweed pollen (or any other offending substance) is called an allergen.
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose (nasal mucosa), is the most common allergy in the United States, affecting 10% to 30% of adult Americans and about 40% of children. There are several categories of rhinitis, but allergic rhinitis, which is caused by allergens in the air, is what you're experiencing if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
Generally, an allergic rhinitis reaction occurs when you breathe in airborne allergens like pollen, molds, or dust mites (for a more complete list of common outdoor and indoor allergens, see sidebar below). Within minutes, thanks to mast cells releasing histamine and other chemicals, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion are in full swing. Regular exposure to these allergens leads to persistent symptoms.
When the trigger for rhinitis is seasonal pollen (from trees, grasses, or weeds) or mold, the common term is “hay fever.” But allergic rhinitis can also be a year-round (perennial) condition that can lead to and exacerbate other allergies, such as allergic asthma and allergic conjunctivitis. Dust mites and animal dander are the chief culprits for perennial allergic rhinitis. Some people are afflicted with both seasonal and perennial allergies.
Repeated exposures to allergens can sensitize the nasal mucosa in a phenomenon called “priming.” This causes progressively lower levels of allergens to spark a reaction. It can also make you sensitive to nonspecific irritants in the air. This hypersensitivity is similar to a primed pump that is ready for action. As allergy season progresses, your innate immune system response becomes primed and ready to set in motion an allergic reaction.
Tips for avoiding pollen exposure
Here are some ways to minimize your pollen exposure:
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is high, especially on dry, windy days.
- Stay indoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when airborne pollen is likely to be at its highest each day.
- Keep home windows closed at night, and turn on the air conditioner.
- Keep car windows closed when driving.
- Vacation at the coast during high pollen season.
- Don’t cut your grass; have someone else do it.
- Don’t hang clothing and bedding out to dry.
Common outdoor allergens
The dominant allergens differ in various climates and hence in different parts of the country.
- Trees: oak family, elm, western red cedar, ash, birch, poplar, hickory, sycamore, maple family, walnut, cypress
- Weeds: ragweed family, tumbleweed, sagebrush (mugwort), pigweed, cockleweed, Russian thistle
- Grasses: timothy, orchard, sweet vernal, Bermuda, sour dock, redtop, bluegrass, johnsongrass
- Molds: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium
Common indoor allergens
The allergens below are listed in order of how often they occur.
- Dust mite feces
- Cat or dog dander
- Cockroach droppings
- Molds
|
|
Sign Up Now For