Fall Allergy Season To Bring Challenges For Georgians

GEORGIA — As fall gets closer, some may worry if their seasonal allergies are just that, or could be the coronavirus.

Atlanta Allergy and Asthma’s board-certified allergists are reminding Atlantans that the area is now entering the fall allergy season.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, can include sneezing, running nose, nasal congestion, headaches, itchy/irritated eyes, and scratchy throat. Fall pollens and molds can also aggravate asthma symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Local allergists say that if you’re experiencing these symptoms, some which overlap with COVID-19 symptoms, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Triggers for fall allergies include the following:

• Ragweed - The main culprit this time of year, ragweed blooms and releases pollen from August to November, with pollen counts usually peaking in mid-September. It’s considered the most allergenic of all pollens and is light and easily carried by the wind. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, you may experience itching of the tongue, mouth, and lips after eating foods like melons, bananas and zucchini due to cross reactivity. This is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome.
• Mold - Georgia is currently experiencing high mold activity. Mold levels tend to be higher during the warm, humid months. And as leaves begin to fall later in the season, they can compost, keeping mold around well into late fall.
• Tree pollen - Although indicative of the spring season in Atlanta, certain tree pollens have begun to appear in the fall. This may be due to the use of certain trees as ornamentals in landscaping, only adding to the confusion as to what is causing an individual’s respiratory symptoms.

Find current and historical pollen count data and mold activity online from Atlanta Allergy and Asthma.