As summer winds down and Chicago settles into cooler days, many residents notice their allergy symptoms picking right back up. If you thought sneezing season ended with spring pollen, fall allergies can catch you off guard. Ragweed, mold spores and indoor triggers all peak this time of year and understanding what’s behind your symptoms is the first step toward relief.
Ragweed Is Still Going Strong
Ragweed pollen typically peaks from late August through October in the Chicago area and a single plant can release a billion grains of pollen over a season. Even a light breeze can carry it for miles, which means you don’t need to live near a field to feel its effects. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Fatigue from disrupted sleep
Ragweed season usually doesn’t wind down until the first hard frost, so symptoms can linger well into fall.
Mold Spores Thrive in Fallen Leaves
Once leaves start dropping, mold has a perfect place to grow. Damp piles of leaves, mulch and decaying yard debris release mold spores into the air and raking can actually stir them up further. If your symptoms seem to flare after yard work, outdoor mold could be the culprit.
Don’t Forget Indoor Triggers
As temperatures drop, Chicagoans spend more time indoors with the windows shut and the heat running. This shift can worsen exposure to:
- Dust mites, which thrive in bedding, carpets and upholstery
- Pet dander, which becomes more concentrated in a closed-up home
- Mold, particularly if your furnace or ducts haven’t been cleaned since last season
Running your heating system for the first time in months can also stir up dust that’s settled over the summer, triggering a temporary flare-up.
Is It Allergies or a Cold?
Fall is also cold and flu season, which makes it easy to confuse allergy symptoms with a viral illness. A general rule of thumb: allergies tend to bring itchy eyes and last for weeks, while colds usually come with body aches or a fever and clear up within seven to ten days. If your “cold” seems to come back every year around the same time, allergies are the more likely explanation.
When to See an Allergist
If over-the-counter antihistamines aren’t cutting it or if fall symptoms are affecting your sleep, work or quality of life year after year, it may be time for allergy testing with a Chicago allergy doctor. Identifying your specific triggers allows for a more targeted treatment plan, which may include prescription medication, environmental changes or allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for longer-term relief. At Premier Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Care, our board-certified allergist offers comprehensive allergy testing and personalized treatment plans for adults, adolescents and children across the Chicago area. If fall allergies are wearing you down, schedule an appointment today and start breathing easier before winter arrives.