Some people enjoy all that fall has to offer without a care in the world, practically oozing pumpkin spice as they bask in the glory of the change of season. Others sniffle, sneeze, cough, and wheeze their way through tailgating, leaf-peeping, and pumpkin carving. If the latter sounds familiar then this blog is for you.
Read on as we take a look at some of the most common late summer and early fall allergy triggers and share tips on how to cope with them.
Hay Fever
Contrary to what the name suggests, hay fever has nothing to do with hay. It’s simply the term used to describe this late summer allergy that plagues so many. It’s triggered by ragweed which typically begins to pollinate in mid-August and can continue to cause misery until the first hard freeze. Other causes of hay fever can include trees, weeds, mold spores, and even pet hair.
Indian Summer
It’s hard to finally bid farewell to summer, but the longer it lingers, the longer allergy and asthma sufferers may struggle. Eating certain fruits and vegetables may cause tingling lips, swelling of the mouth, and scratchy throat.
Leaves
A quintessential autumn chore, raking leaves can send mold spores and pollen into the air and onto your clothes, adding to your misery. If you must rake or do any lawn care or clean-up, wear a form-fitting allergy mask. And once done, toss your clothing into the wash and take a shower or bath to rid yourself of allergens. Better yet, outsource the work if budget allows.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are a common indoor allergen that thrive in warm, humid places and are at their highest between May and October. Most die during the winter. However, allergen-containing dust is often stirred up by heating systems being turned on for the first time of the heating season. Be sure to vacuum or dust your air vents to reduce the amount of dust that is sent into your living space.
At Air Professional Associates, we offer multiple solutions to improve the quality of your indoor air. While we can’t cure seasonal allergies, asthma, and other upper respiratory ailments, we help can rid your home of the pollutants that may trigger and aggravate them. Contact us today for more information or a system proposal.