Control your Fall Allergies!

The start of the fall season brings a new set of allergy problems to San Antonio. By the last week of August, weed pollen begins to spread and can last through the month of October. Of the weeds, the most famous and most troublesome is ragweed. A single ragweed plant can produce one billion pollen grains, these grains can be carried by the wind for up to 400 miles! Ragweed is truly a national weed found in almost every part of the United States. Like most weeds, it grows in fields, vacant lots and even on the side of the road.

Ragweed, however, is not the only weed that causes allergies during the fall. Other weeds also pollinate at this time such as pigweed, careless weed, mugwort, lamb's quarters and plantain. It is possible to be allergic to just one weed but most people are sensitive to several at a time.

Molds are also a big problem during the fall season. Molds can be found throughout the year in San Antonio, but they usually reach higher levels during fall. They grow very well on decaying plant matter (grass, leaves), compost, inside gutters and anywhere there is water damaged wood, paper or drywall. Molds seem to do better in the autumn because many plants start decaying in this season. Molds do not produce pollens like plants but instead release spores into the air which can cause allergy symptoms in sensitive people. There are many thousands of molds in the world but most people are allergic to several common ones such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Helminthosporium, just to name a few.

Simple steps you can take to reduce your fall-time allergies:

Avoiding Weed Pollen

• Keep windows closed and run the air-conditioning to prevent pollen from getting inside.
• If you have to work outside, wear a face mask to filter allergens.
• Vacuum frequently to reduce pollen and spores that do make it inside.

Avoiding Mold:

• Rake up leaves and keep your gutters free of debris.
• Keep composters away from the house.
• Clean up debris, including wood piles, grass clippings or building materials.
• Remove any indoor mold around sinks and tubs promptly. A mixture of 1-part bleach with 9-parts water is very effective.
• Replace carpeting in bathrooms and kitchens with hard surface flooring such as tile, linoleum or hardwood.

If you still experience troublesome allergy symptoms, make an appointment with an allergist for a full evaluation. We can help you determine exactly what you are allergic to and the best way to relieve your symptoms!