Allergy be Gone: pollen

It's a well known fact that the worst part of allergy season is in the spring. I mean, that's when the plants the most pollen, isn't it? Well, spring may be the start of the allergy season, but it's only the beginning. Many people find their allergies are actually worse in the fall.

Image by Clearly Ambiguous

Why the fall? You would think that most plants were finished with their pollinating by the time September rolls around. And most are. But not ragweed, which hits its stride in the fall and continues until the end of allergy season in October.

So, if you're still suffering from intense allergies (or maybe just started), we've put together a few quick Fall allergy tips:

Find out when the allergy season end in your area. In most places it's October, but global warming (and regional differences) means it varies from place to place
Don't discontinue your anti-allergy regimen just because the leaves are coming off the trees. If you're taking medication, keep taking it until you know the season is over. Ragweed (not to mention indoor allergies) can still pack a wallop. Allergy medications are safe to take all the time, even when there are no allergens present.
Fall may get too chilly for the air conditioner, but keeping the windows closed still keeps out that annoying pollen.
You're never too old to develop allergies. If the fall leaves you with a runny nose and watery eyes it may not be a cold, check with your doctor or an allergist, no matter what your age is.
Remember our pollen avoidance tips from the spring. Many of them apply to fall allergies as well.

Do you suffer from fall allergies, or have any allergy avoidance tips? Let us know in the comments.

It would be a massive understatement to say that seasonal allergies are no fun. Across the United States each spring, tens of millions of allergy sufferers begin sneezing. The most common cause? Pollen.

Pollens are the tiny male cells that grasses, weeds, and trees release each spring to continue the life cycle. Because they're spread mostly by the wind, they're carried far and wide, easily infiltrating our homes.

Now, short of locking yourself in a pollen-proof box for most of the year, there's no way to completely avoid pollen, but there are some simple ways to decrease your exposure and alleviate some of your symptoms.

Knowing is half the battle: First, you should see an allergist or immunologist for an allergy test. This will tell you what type of pollens and molds you're allergic to (it will also tell you what other allergies you might have, such as dust mites or pet dander). Once you know what you're allergic to, you can try to avoid exposure to it.
Track the source of your problem: It's possible to track pollen counts online. The National Allergy Bureau tracks different types of pollen in the air all across the country. Some newspapers and TV weather reports also give pollen counts. Avoid spending too much time outside on days when the pollen count is too high.
Sometimes it's best to stay home: After months of cold weather, it can be nice to get outside for a change. However, it's best to stay indoors when the pollen count is high, usually between 5 and 10 am. If you are outside during those hours, avoid intense outdoor activities, such as exercise or strenuous work. You can also minimize pollen exposure by wearing a pollen and dust mask while outdoors.

Weather also affects the amount of pollen in the air. Pollen is usually highest on hot, breezy days. Gentle, sustained rain washes most of the pollen out of the rain, but thunderstorms can stir it up.
Wash the problem out of your hair: Since pollen sticks to clothing, skin, and hair, take a shower and wash your hair before going to bed so that pollen from your hair can't be transferred to your pillow. Also, washing your hands after being outside can keep pollen from being transferred from hands to eyes, where they can cause irritation. It's a good idea to use a special anti-allergen laundry detergent, which will remove not only pollen, but pet dander and other allergens as well.
Spring freshness isn't the only thing getting into those sheets: Even though you might want to take advantage of that fresh spring breeze to hang your laundry up outside, hanging clothes are like a filter trap for pollen. Using a clothes dryer instead minimizes the amount of pollen that can get on clothes and sheets. The heat of the dryer also neutralizes the pollen.
Do some spring cleaning: Pollen and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning. Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner is best, but if that's not an option you can upgrade the air filtration in your current vacuum to include exhaust filters and multi-layer bags for high allergen containment. Be careful, however, as cleaning without a HEPA vacuum or HEPA air cleaner can stir up more dust and pollen, sometimes making your symptoms worse.
No pollen allowed: If you have pets that spend time outside, keep them out of the bedroom. If that's not feasible, at least keep them off your bed. Pets not only carry (and deposit) pet dander, but can also have pollen stuck to their fur.

If your pets spend a lot of time outside, you should bathe them frequently. Using a pet shampoo that minimizes allergens will help reduce both pollen and pet dander
Lock out pollen: Keep your windows and outside doors closed as much as possible during the pollen season. Using central air conditioning as much as possible (if you have it) will keep keep pollen outside. If it's not possible to air condition the entire house, use a room air conditioner in the bedroom of the person with allergies and keep the windows and doors to that room closed. Check A/C filters often to make sure they're clean. This not only increases their efficiency, but saves energy and money.

If you don't want to give up that fresh outdoor breeze, you can get a window screen that will lock out pollen and other allergens.