Preparing for Autumn Allergies

By Helen

Autumn allergies arrive every year just as certain weeds or plants begin to pollinate. Plants that turn on autumn allergies often include ragweed and a variety of common garden weeds. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes, nose mouth and throat, and congestion. The culprit causing the symptoms is the pollen that's being released into the air with each new gust of wind. Some people are also allergic to outdoor mold, which tends to be higher in the fall than in the summer months. Outdoor molds can be found in decaying leaves, in and around tree limbs and forest vegetation, in compost bins, gardens, and ditches, or anywhere in nature that is exposed to damp conditions. Because pollen and mold spores are very fine egg-shaped particles, it is not possible to always see their dust in the air. But not to worry, you can rely on your nose and lungs to detect them without delay.

In late summer to autumn, ragweed and tree pollen are at an all time high. Ragweed, by far the biggest offender when it comes to allergies, releases huge pollen deposits into the air, causing allergic rhinitis, or in layman's terms, hay fever. In recent years, the ragweed allergy or pollen count has been much higher than in the past. Because of this trend, some scientists are beginning to wonder if global warming may have a hand in this new development. According to Dr. Gillian Shepherd, who is the spokesman for the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, when winters are unusually warm and there is a lot of rain, conditions are ideal for heightened pollen production.

Monitoring Pollen Count

If an individual or loved one has hay fever or allergies, one of the smartest things you can do for yourself or your family is to keep up on pollen count. If pollen counts rise, that means there is more pollen being released. During high pollen count days, staying indoors will help keep most symptoms at bay, but may not be enough protection. Make sure there is a good filtration system on your home's air filters and on the car air filter. Clean and/or change them as often as needed to prevent pollen escaping into your home or vehicle.

Remember that when pollen is in the air it will get on your hair, your clothing and your skin. It will be tracked in on your shoes and on the fur of pets. Ways to ensure pollen is not carried into the home on your clothing or blown in through open doors and windows:

Know what sets your allergies off and when it pollinates.
Avoid areas of heavy pollination.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Remove jackets and shoes in the garage.
Bathe pets often to keep pollen from traveling in on their fur.
Wash hair before bedtime.
A good way to keep sinuses cleared is to learn how to tap sinus pockets to coerce drainage. The Emotional Freedom Technique method works well.
Stock up on herbal teas and soups to soothe sore throats and clear out sinus passages. Stock up on tissues, as well.

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/high-pollen-count-means-bad-allergies-season/story?id=10311396&page=2

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/03/earlyshow/health/main2641251.shtml

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20100316/ARTICLES/100319651/1008?Title=Allergy-sufferers-journey-into-season-of-symptoms

http://www.rodale.com/ragweed-and-mold-allergy-relief