8 Ways to Reduce Fall Allergy Symptoms

The change of season from summer to fall can result in horrific allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable sneezing, coughing, and nose-blowing can be. Just know you are not alone! Chris Iliades, M.D. of Everyday Health, states, “Seasonal allergies, including fall allergies, affect more than 35 million Americans and cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion in lost productivity.”

How can you focus on enjoying the pumpkin spice this fall instead of sitting at home with your face buried in a tissue?

During the fall season, the top 4 allergens are ragweed, mold & mildew, dust mites, and pet dander. Read on to learn about eight ways to reduce fall allergy symptoms from these allergens.

Keep Doors & Windows Closed

This means keeping your doors and windows closed in your home and car. Ragweed is a plant, and”…[it] can produce up to 1 billion grains of pollen per season” (Healthline). The best way to fight allergy symptoms from ragweed is by avoiding it as much as possible, which means keeping it out of your home and car.

Vacuum Upholstery & Carpets

Frequent vacuuming can help to get rid of ragweed as well as dust mites and pet dander. Yes, you may need to pull out the vacuuming attachments and do a thorough job, but that’s worth it if it will help you feel better, right?

Know Peak Allergy Times

Weather websites, such as Weather.com, usually have allergy trackers to help determine the best time to go outside. Know when your fall allergy symptoms will be at their worst and plan around it.

Rake Your Leaves! (and clean the gutters)

During the fall, mold and mildew can be found on fallen damp leaves. Frequent raking and ensuring the gutters are clean can help keep mold away from your home, and it should help to keep your allergy symptoms away too.

Install & Actually Use your Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are the opposite of humidifiers because they take the humidity out of your home’s air. You can choose either a portable dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier. Both types have pros and cons; it depends on your family’s needs to determine the right choice for you. Either way, keeping your home’s humidity level in check will curb mold and mildew, as well as dust mites.

Use dustproof allergy covers on your pillows and mattresses

Keep dust mites away with these covers. Also, wash and change your sheets and pillowcases frequently to rid them of dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

Install a UV Germicidal Light

These lights can be installed as part of your home’s heating and cooling system. The UV technology essentially “zaps” allergy triggers and bacteria as the air flows through the ductwork. These lights are excellent for clearing your home’s air of allergens and cleaning the indoor air.

Switch Out Your Air Filter for an Electronic Filter

Just like a regular air filter, these filters filter the air used in your heating and cooling system. Electronic filters use ionizing cells to have an extremely high capture rate (95%) of things such as mildew, animal hair, and dust mites. An electronic filter should be cleaned in the dishwasher or with a hose monthly. Even if you do not have an electronic filter, keeping your air filter clean will help it do its job most effectively.

Are you ready to implement these tips and take control of your fall allergy symptoms this year? Good! For more information about UV Germicidal Lights, electronic filters, dehumidifiers, or other ways to improve your indoor air quality, contact FLAME!