It’s that time of year again – ragweed pollen is in the air in Northeast Ohio, causing allergy flare-ups. Here’s how you can find relief from the sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy throat that often accompany the changing of the seasons.

What causes allergy symptoms?

In Ohio, two common causes of fall allergy symptoms are ragweed pollen and mold.

Ragweed is common in the eastern and midwestern United States. A single ragweed plant can produce up to a billion pollen grains, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Ohio’s ragweed pollen season usually starts around late August, peaks in September and settles down in October. According to the AAFA, ragweed begins to release pollen as the hours of daylight grow shorter. Warm, breezy weather helps pollen spread. Ragweed pollen season comes to an end when frost kills the plants.

Mold allergies ramp up in autumn, too. Fallen leaves can hold moisture, accelerating mold growth, according to The Weather Channel. Dying summer gardens can also harbor mold.

You experience allergy symptoms when your immune system treats pollen or mold as a dangerous invader. Your body releases a chemical called histamine, which causes the cold-like symptoms that are so familiar to allergy sufferers.

How can you minimize allergy symptoms?

Here are strategies that may help prevent or alleviate allergy symptoms:

• Talk to your provider about over-the-counter and prescription medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and decongestants that may treat symptoms.
  
  
• Check the daily pollen count. You can find it in most weather reports, websites or apps. Stay indoors if possible when the pollen count is too high.
  
  
• Keep pollen out of your home.
  
  
  • Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning with a HEPA filter.
    
    
  • Wipe off pets before they come inside.
    
    
  • Take off your shoes before entering your home.
    
    
  • Change your clothes as soon as you come indoors after being outside.
    
    
  • Take a shower before going to bed each night to remove pollen from your hair and skin.
    
    
• Wash your bedding in hot water once per week.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses and a hat when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes and hair.
  
  
• Have someone else rake the leaves in your lawn if you are allergic to mold.
  
  
• Avoid handling rotting vegetables, such as Halloween pumpkins.
  
  
• Keep car windows closed when traveling.

Looking for a Provider?

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has more than 80 providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The StayWell Company, LLC
The Weather Channel