Fall Allergies in St. Louis, Missouri

Fall allergy season in St. Louis starts with the bloom of ragweed in August and usually peaks in mid-September. Burning bush, cocklebur, lamb’s-quarters, mugwort, pigweed, russian thistle, sagebrush, and tumbleweed pollen are also prevalent in the Missouri fall time, and remain active until the first frost of winter.

In addition to fall vegetation, decaying grass and leaves also contribute to an increase in mold spores. Mold grows quickly during rainy periods, and also during hot and humid periods. This makes mold particularly prevalent in the midwestern fall, where weather can quickly shift between warm and humid, and damp and cool.

Perennial (year-round) allergies like indoor mold, pets, dust, and dust mites can also get worse in the Missouri fall due to the changing weather, and because individuals tend to spend more time indoors as the weather gets cooler.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Fall Allergy Symptoms

Fall allergy symptoms are similar to those of other seasonal allergies in the spring and summer. The most common fall allergy symptoms include any or all of the following:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red eyes
• Congestion
• Itchy mouth and lips
• Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness

It’s also possible for fall allergies in Missouri to trigger more severe symptoms, including:

• Hives
• Worsening eczema
• Swollen eyelids
• Wheezing
• Upset stomach

Every allergy sufferer’s experience can be unique.

Fall Allergies vs Spring

Many allergy sufferers are curious about the differences between fall allergies vs spring allergies. Allergy symptoms are similar between the two seasons, but what causes fall allergies vs spring allergies can vary significantly. Fall allergies are more often caused by ragweed, whereas spring allergies are typically caused by pollinating trees and grass. Mold can be prevalent during both fall and spring. Depending on what you’re allergic to, you might experience worse symptoms during the fall vs the spring.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Testing for Fall Allergies

Fall allergies in Missouri can be caused by one of many distinct allergens, which is why it’s important to get a formal diagnosis from a board-certified allergist. Testing for fall allergies begins with a detailed medical history where Dr. Cajigal will ask you about your symptoms and when you’ve experienced them. Fall allergies can have a strong environmental component, so details about your home, your work, your pets, and other environmental factors are critical for Dr. Cajigal to diagnose the cause of your fall allergies.

A fall allergy diagnosis can usually be confirmed with a simple skin prick test, but Dr. Cajigal may order intradermal testing or blood testing as needed if a skin prick test is inconclusive or cannot be performed.

Fall Allergy Treatment in St. Louis

Tips to Avoid Fall Allergies

These fall allergy tips can help you minimize your exposure to allergens during the fall allergy season in the St. Louis Missouri area:

• Check your local pollen counts whenever you check the weather
• Limit outdoor activities during times of high pollen counts
• Wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to reduce pollen exposure when outdoors
• Change clothes as soon as you get home if you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors

When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will have additional recommendations for you based on your unique case.

Removing Fall Allergens from Your Home

• Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent frequently to reduce allergens
• Steam clean carpets or remove carpets altogether, especially if they tend to get damp
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust in your home
• Use dust mite proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and box springs
• Regularly clean garbage cans and refrigerator drip pans
• Regularly clean your gutters and ensure drainage flows away from your home’s foundation
• Quickly clean up any spills, leaks, or messes to prevent mold from growing
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander in your bedding
• Keep pets off of upholstered furniture
• Consider replacing upholstered furniture to minimize pet dander accumulation

Some of this advice only applies if you have a specific allergy. When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will provide personalized advice for your unique circumstances.

Fall Allergy Medications

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots may be an effective long-term treatment for your fall allergies. Allergy shots are often referred to as a ‘curative therapy’ because they can prevent future allergic reactions and allow you to safely tolerate higher levels of whatever you’re allergic to. Visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about this option.

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