Fall is in full swing, with evening bonfires and pumpkin spice lattes all around. While a break from summer’s brutal heat may be welcome, fall can be a difficult time for allergy sufferers. There are several allergens that love to bust onto the scene during the fall months, so it’s important for anyone with allergies to remain dedicated to their allergy treatment regimens throughout this part of the year.
Fall Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms during the fall will depend on the person and their specific triggers but are largely the same as allergies during other times of the year. Common fall allergy symptoms to look out for include:
For inhaled allergens:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy throat
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Tightness in the chest
- Eczema outbreaks
For food and sting allergens:
- Rash or hives
- Swelling
- Itching
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Common Fall Allergens & Their Causes
Certain allergens and irritants are more prevalent during the fall months, including:
- Smoke
Smoke is not an allergen, but can irritate the nose and eyes, worsening allergy symptoms. People love to fire up their fireplaces and backyard fire pits once the weather starts to cool, and this along with bonfires and campfires can mean big trouble for those with smoke-related symptoms.
- Molds
Warm, wet weather from the tropics continues to bring ample moisture to Florida during the fall months, providing the perfect breeding ground for molds to thrive.
- Dust
Some people like to do a fall cleaning to put up their warm-weather items and break out the holiday decor. This can kick up a lot of dust. If you need to dig around in dusty places, be sure to wear a mask and take frequent breaks.
- Bites and Stings
Bites and stings aren’t as frequent during the fall, but they do happen. In Florida, flying insects, like bees and wasps, and fire ants are still active during the fall months.
- Food
Fall is the beginning of several food-based holidays in the U.S., including Halloween and Thanksgiving. If you or your child has food allergies, be sure to check all trick-or-treat candy before eating it to avoid problems. Many Thanksgiving dishes contain nuts, milk, eggs, and other allergens.
- Pollen
Pollen is still a big issue in the fall, although it comes from different plants than those that cause issues in the spring. Elm certain trees can begin pollinating in the fall, along with Ragweed in central Florida. A variety of other weeds and grasses can flare up allergy symptoms before the first frost.
Allergy Testing and Treatment in Tampa Bay
For comprehensive allergy testing and treatment in Tampa Bay, trust the experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay. We can identify your allergy triggers and develop a customized treatment plan for you to keep fall allergies at bay. Give us a call at (813) 971-9743 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
