Tips for Managing Your Allergies This Fall
There’s nothing quite like fall, from the trips to the pumpkin patch to the trees changing color. But as much as I love fall, there are some parts of it that I could do without—namely, the itchy eyes, runny nose, and rattling cough.
Trying to stop fall allergies is like trying to stop the seasons from changing. But don’t despair, my fellow allergy sufferers. My tips for managing your allergies this fall will help us get through this season together.
Know Your Triggers
Fall allergens are everywhere, and knowing what they are is the first step toward managing your allergies in the fall. The biggest fall allergies are ragweed pollen, dust mites, and mold, some of which are unavoidable. But if you know what your triggers are, you can know how to change your environment to improve your symptoms.
Take Evasive Action Against Pollen
Ragweed is the biggest public enemy when it comes to our allergies. In fact, 75 percent of us are allergic to it, and the only state that doesn’t have it is Alaska. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend your fall rubbing elbows with moose to lessen pollen’s effect. Here are a few tips I’ve found that work:
- Check pollen count on the weather channel
- Don’t hang clothes outside to dry
- Avoid going outside first thing in the morning when pollen is at its highest
- Wear long sleeves and pants so pollen doesn’t touch your skin
- Wash up as soon as you come in after spending time outside
Do a Little Fall Cleaning
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning to get us ready for summer. Here’s a new one: fall cleaning to kick those pesky allergies to the curb. Fall cleaning will help get rid of dust and pollen in your home, which can make your symptoms worse.
Here are a few chores to add to your fall to-do list:
- Change your filters
- Deep clean the carpets
- Shake out your rugs
- Wipe down surfaces
- Wash your sheets
If you have a furry friend in your life, you may want to give them baths a little more often than usual in the fall. Dust and pollen love to hide out in their fur after a long walk.
Sip Some Tea
I don’t know about y’all, but after all that cleaning, all I want to do is sit down and enjoy the fall foliage with a nice warm drink. It turns out that may be just the thing to kick your allergies too. Some teas, like peppermint, ginger, green, and turmeric, help reduce allergy symptoms.
If you want to boost the allergy-fighting punch of your tea, you can add a little dose of local honey. If you add a little CBD as well, you can help fight chronic pain that allergies exacerbate.
It’s fall, y’all. And I hope you enjoy this whole season—sniffles and all.
