Common Causes of Fall Allergies

If you reside in Birmingham, Alabama, you probably understand how fall messes with people's lives, especially those susceptible to pollen. Even if you’re not allergic, the amount of allergens in the atmosphere during this period is likely to irritate your senses. The following post briefly explores fall allergies, the causes, and treatment.

Allergies caused by weeds:
The ragweed plant is responsible for most fall allergies, including hay fever, in America. The weed produces up to a billion pollen grains a season, making it a very dangerous plant to have around, particularly during fall.

Moreover, ragweed’s pollen is lightweight and can travel up to 400 miles by wind, meaning that even if the weed doesn't grow in your area, you aren’t completely safe. Other weeds like golden rock, pigweed, sheep sorrel, and sagebrush are also known to cause various types of fall allergies.

Allergies caused by molds:
Mold is another significant cause of allergies during fall in Alabama and neighboring states. Mold spores are lightweight and can travel long distances, so long as the weather is a bit windy.

How to treat fall allergies:
While there are plenty of preventative and precautionary steps you take to deal with the threat of pollen and mold allergens in the fall, getting medical treatment is highly recommended if your allergy symptoms persist. Your doctor will assess your condition and prescribe the best treatment to get rid of your symptoms.

Over the counter medications, anti-histamines and prescription drugs like nasal sprays can all be used to fight fall allergies on a day-to-day basis. On the other hand, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be prescribed if you want a long-term remedy for dealing with seasonal allergies. This treatment takes 3 to 5 years for your body to become completely resistant to allergens.

More information about allergies