We’re entering an extra miserable allergy season this fall

Most people associate seasonal allergies with springtime. But fall can feel just as miserable for people who suffer from itchy eyes, sneezing and wheezing. And health experts say this fall allergy season could be a particular doozy for the more than 50 million allergy sufferers out there.

Summer weather conditions and continuing warm temperatures into September have led to what doctors call a “perfect storm” for a difficult allergy season. “What we are seeing with this warmer weather pattern is that we are headed for a bumper crop of molds,” Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist and assistant clinical professor at New York University, told Today. “Whenever you have warmer periods mixed with some precipitation, it’s the perfect storm for ragweed, weeds and mold spores.”

Ragweed and mold are the primary triggers for most seasonal allergies, especially in the fall. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 17 species of ragweed exist in the U.S. The weed blooms and releases a fine powder. Peak season runs from August through November.

For that reason, some doctors say they see fall allergy patients earlier each year because of changing climate conditions. Temperatures stay warmer longer and rainy summers make perfect conditions for mold and ragweed booms.

“If it feels as though your allergy symptoms flare up earlier and earlier every year, you’re probably not wrong,” said Dr. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in a news release. “Climate change may actually be causing an earlier and longer fall allergy season. In addition, windy days can mean heightened allergy symptoms, because wind can carry the pollen from ragweed, grasses and trees up to 100 miles from its source.”

How To Ease Fall Allergy Symptoms

While you may not prevent fall allergy symptoms entirely, Tilles shared a number of ways to ease seasonal flare-ups this fall:

Start treatments early

Even if you don’t have symptoms now, start your allergy medication now. The sooner you get the medications in your system, the better chance your body has to fight off your allergy triggers. Tilles also recommends continuing to take the medication until two weeks after pollen counts go down.

Reduce mold

You’ll never get rid of mold entirely. But you can keep it at bay by limiting moisture exposure in your house. Keep fans running in bathrooms. Don’t keep leaf piles around the house where they can get wet. And keep surfaces wiped down and dry to avoid mold buildup.

Avoid pollen transfer

Try keeping pollens out of the house by leaving shoes outside. When working outside, put clothes in the washer immediately and then take a shower. As much as you’d like to open those windows for fresh air, keep them closed during peak allergy season. Keep the fans or air conditioner running to keep air cool, dry and clean. And when you work outside, consider using protective gear such as a filtered mask and gloves.

See a doctor

If over-the-counter medications don’t help relieve your symptoms, make an appointment to see a doctor or allergist. Medical professionals can offer different medications and treatments to help make your life easier during peak allergy seasons.