Allergens in October

October features a number of triggers for allergy-sufferers. Fall-pollinating plants, such as ragweed, may still be in season. Mold growth is prominent, and lifestyle factors such as using indoor heating and exposure to different foods may trigger allergy symptoms. Depending on the cause, your allergy symptoms may include hay fever symptoms, worsening of asthma and other breathing difficulties, skin irritation or swelling of the face or throat. An understanding of common fall allergens can help you avoid symptom flare-ups and find treatments, if necessary.

Ragweed

• Ragweed is the most common cause of fall hay fever. It causes runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, throat itching or discomfort, coughing and sinus pressure or pain. Ragweed is common in many parts of the United States, especially the Midwest, but its pollen can travel up to 400 miles, which may make it an allergy trigger even if it does not grown in your area. Ragweed season ends after the first frost, according to the National University of Health Sciences.

Molds

• Mold growth is common both indoors and outdoors during the fall months. Indoors, mold can grow in moist areas, such as basements and bathrooms, and mold spores can be distributed by vacuuming. Outdoors, mold can grow on piles of damp fallen leaves, as well as on plants and trees. Mold spores can be stirred up by activities like raking leaves.

Indoor Air Quality

• Indoor air quality can become particularly problematic as the weather becomes colder. Dust particles can accumulate in heating vents and air filters and can be distributed throughout your home when the heat is turned on. Dust or dust mites can trigger hay fever symptoms and respiratory difficulties, such as coughing, wheezing or worsening of asthma.

Food Allergens

• For children, food allergies may be an increased concern during the fall. Children may be exposed to allergy-triggering foods in the school cafeteria or by switching lunches or snacks with friends. Many types of Halloween candy also contain food allergies triggers, such as peanuts. If your child has been diagnosed with food allergies, make sure she knows what her trigger foods are and understands the importance of avoiding them.

How to Relieve Symptoms

• Avoid fall allergy triggers as much as possible by wearing a mask when you do yard work, keeping humidity levels low in your home, cleaning or replacing air conditioning or heating filters and dusting and vacuuming weekly using allergen-trapping products. Talk to your doctor about prescription or over the counter allergy treatments if your symptoms continue to be bothersome. Keep in mind that children and teens may be exposed to mold, dust and food allergens at school. Discuss this with your child's doctor for suggestions on managing and treating your child's allergy symptoms. Also, check your child's Halloween candy for any items that may trigger food allergies.