Glamaour Era magazine Glamaour Era Global | Page 38

You made it through a tough spring allergy season and
are enjoying every moment of the summer. But just when
you think your allergies are under control, a new problem
is brewing. In the blink of an (itchy) eye, fall allergy
season will be here.
You may be thinking, “It's still summer. Why worry about
itchy eyes and sneezing now? I'm feeling OK and the kids
aren't ready to start thinking about school!"
"Ragweed, the biggest allergy trigger in the fall, usually
starts releasing its pollen with cooler nights and warm
days in mid- to late August. Ragweed season can last into
September and October when the rst frost hits," says
allergist Stephen Tilles, MD, president of the American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "If
you suffer from spring allergies, there's a good chance you
also suffer from fall allergies."
A single ragweed plant can release a million pollen grains
in a day. Winds can carry these grains for up to 100 miles,
which means no matter where you live, you'll likely be
affected if you're allergic to ragweed. Add to this high
levels of mold spores that are common in the fall, and it's
no wonder people end up sneezing and wheezing
Dr. Tilles says the key to winning the war on fall allergies is to
start early while still in the heart of summer. Here are some tips
from ACAAI to consider:.
1. An ounce of prevention: Take your fall allergy medications two
weeks before symptoms usually begin, which can mean early or
mid-August. Remember to continue your medication for two weeks
after the rst frost.
2. Wait on the "fresh air": Keep your car and home windows
closed. Use your air conditioning to regulate temperature. When
you open windows, you allow ragweed and other allergens in, and
they stick to surfaces.
3. Dress like a secret agent: If you do go outside, wear a hat and
sunglasses to keep ragweed pollen out of your eyes.
4. Mask out the irritants: After spending time outdoors, leave your
shoes at the door. Then shower, change and wash your clothes to
remove the pollen. For summer and fall yard tasks, wear a NIOSH
N95-rated lter mask. Only N95 masks lter out pollen due to its
micro size.
5. Have a heart-to-heart with junior: If your child is old enough,
make sure they know what their triggers are before they head back
to school. Teach them how to properly use any prescribed inhaler
device or epinephrine auto injector. Update all prescriptions for the
start of the school year.