The weather is changing, the temperature is dropping, and while autumn invites us to enjoy nature, allergies make many of us sigh. The summer may have passed, but the autumn ones allergies have begun to turn our daily lives upside down. If sneezing and itchy eyes are a familiar fall routine for you, you’re not alone. Seasonal allergies have increased dramatically, and maybe it’s time to look at what causes them and how we can manage them so we can enjoy the new season.

Why are allergies so bad in the fall?

Climate changes seem to affect the flowering of pollen-producing plants, making it more intense and lasting. Warmer temperatures and more rain favor the long pollen season. Ragweed, the main allergen of the season, not only blooms earlier, but also produces more pollen. Thus, you may notice that allergy symptoms last longer and become more intense with each new year.

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In addition to the environment, allergic sensitivity is also influenced by the microbiome, i.e. the bacteria that live in our body. Changes in the gut and skin microbiome play a role in how our immune system reacts to allergens. As the microbiome is altered by factors such as diet, antibiotics and modern lifestyles, reactions to allergies become more intense.

How to deal with autumn allergies

If you’re trying to avoid the debilitating effects of fall allergies, there are a few steps you can take to reduce symptoms and find relief:

Wear a mask when outdoors: Especially if you are exposed to pollen for a long time, the mask helps to reduce the inhalation of allergens.

Shower and change clothes after going out: Pollen sticks to clothes and hair. With a shower and clean clothes you will reduce the pollen that enters your space and remains on your body.

Prefer the air conditioner (A/C): Using the air conditioner filters the air and reduces the amount of pollen entering your space, offering clean air.

Treatments for allergic symptoms

Over-the-counter antihistamines can provide much relief, while cortisone nasal sprays help in more severe cases. For those dealing with allergy-exacerbated asthma, specific inhaled anti-inflammatories are the best choice.

It’s also a good idea to start using your medication one to two weeks before allergy season starts, to prevent symptoms. If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective enough, you can talk to your doctor about allergy shots, which offer gradual, long-term relief. A new option is special pollen tablets that dissolve under the tongue and strengthen the immune system’s resistance to allergens.

Don’t let allergies get you down

Fall allergies can be really exhausting, but there are solutions. With small changes in your daily life and with appropriate medical support, you can limit the symptoms and spend calmer autumn days. So, prepare properly, follow the above tips and enjoy autumn without any hassle!