Seasonal Allergies Aren’t Just for Spring, What to Know in Autumn

“Good to Know!”

BY STEPHNIE @the Brimly Test Kitchen

September 1, 2025

Image Source/Andrej Lisakov

15 minute Read

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Autumn gets all the credit for crisp air and golden leaves, but it also comes with pollen, mold, and dust.

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, many people expect relief from the sniffles and sneezes of spring. However, seasonal allergies aren’t just a springtime affair – autumn can trigger just as many symptoms for allergy sufferers. In fact, allergies rank among the top chronic illnesses in the United States, affecting over 50 million Americans each year. Fall allergies, often called “hay fever” when they involve ragweed, can leave you with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and nonstop sneezing right when you’d rather be enjoying pumpkin patches and football games. Understanding the common autumn allergy triggers and how to combat them can help you breathe easier this season.

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“Comfort in a cup – warm drinks can soothe, but they won’t stop the sneezes.”— Image courtesy of Monika Grabkowska

Fall Allergy Triggers

Several allergens are especially prevalent in the fall. The main culprits include:

Ragweed Pollen: Ragweed is the biggest trigger of fall hay fever. This weed releases enormous amounts of pollen from mid-August until the first frost. There are many species of ragweed across most of the U.S., and their lightweight pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind. Even if you don’t live near ragweed plants, you may feel their effects. Ragweed pollen levels tend to peak in early autumn (often around September) and can cause classic hay fever symptoms in an estimated 25 million Americans.
Mold Spores: Mold thrives in the damp, decaying matter that fall weather brings. Piles of wet leaves, rotting logs, and compost heaps are prime breeding grounds for mold. Outdoor molds release spores into the air, especially on wet or windy autumn days. Indoor molds can also be an issue in fall if moisture accumulates in basements, bathrooms, or anywhere with poor ventilation. Breathing in mold spores can trigger nasal congestion, coughing, and irritated eyes. Many people don’t realize mold allergies can be as troublesome in fall as plant pollen allergies.
Dust Mites: Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in household dust and thrive in warm, humid conditions. They are present year-round, but fall can worsen dust mite exposure because we start spending more time indoors as the weather cools. Turning on the heating for the first time in months can stir up dust mites hiding in carpets, bedding, and air ducts. For those allergic, dust mite debris can cause sneezing, runny nose, and even asthma flare-ups. Unlike pollen, dust mites aren’t seasonal, but autumn often brings increased contact with these indoor allergens.

“When autumn beauty meets ragweed pollen, tissues become the season’s must-have accessory.”— Image courtesy of Elena Helade

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Common Symptoms of Autumn Allergies

Fall allergy symptoms often mirror those of springtime allergies. After exposure to ragweed, mold, or dust mites, you might experience:

Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose
Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Itchy throat or ears, and possibly a scratchy cough
Sinus pressure or headaches
Worsened asthma symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing, in those who have asthma

These symptoms result from your immune system overreacting to harmless substances (like pollen or dust) and releasing histamine and other chemicals. The outcome can make you feel like you’ve caught a cold, but if it’s due to allergies, you won’t have a fever and your symptoms may linger for weeks as long as the allergens are around.

Who Is Most Affected?

Seasonal allergies can affect anyone – children, adults, and seniors alike – but some people are more likely to sniffle through the fall. If you have a family history of allergies or asthma, you are at higher risk, as allergic tendencies are often inherited. Many allergy sufferers first develop symptoms in childhood or early adulthood, though new allergies can arise at any age. Those who have spring allergies to tree or grass pollen often discover they’re also allergic to ragweed in the late summer and fall. In fact, the majority of people allergic to spring pollens are also sensitive to ragweed pollen. Additionally, individuals with allergic asthma or eczema may notice their conditions flare up during fall because the same triggers (like mold or dust mites) can worsen those issues. Geography can play a role too – living in regions with abundant ragweed or a lot of autumn leaf fall can increase exposure to pollen and mold. Overall, millions of Americans experience fall allergies each year, underscoring that this is a widespread issue, not a rare nuisance.

“Allergies don’t just live outside – dust and mold can stir up symptoms right at home.”— Image courtesy of Getty Images

Prevention Tips for Autumn Allergies

While you can’t guard against every bit of pollen or dust, smart habits can greatly reduce your exposure to fall allergens. A combination of managing your indoor environment and being cautious about outdoor exposure will help keep symptoms at bay. Here are some effective strategies:

Manage indoor air quality: Keep windows and doors closed on high-pollen days to prevent allergens from blowing inside. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your central air system or a portable air purifier to trap pollen, mold spores, and dust. Running an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help as well – aim to keep indoor humidity around 50% or lower to discourage mold growth and dust mites. If you have forced-air heating, install a clean filter before autumn and consider upgrading to an allergen-reducing filter. Good airflow and low humidity make your home less hospitable to allergens.
Clean regularly and wisely: Adopt cleaning habits that remove allergens without stirring them up. Vacuum carpets and rugs at least weekly (more often if you have pets) using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which prevents dust and pollen from recirculating. Wash bedding and curtains in hot water regularly to kill dust mites. Consider removing or deep-cleaning items that trap dust, such as wall-to-wall carpeting or heavy drapes, especially in bedrooms. When dusting surfaces, use a damp cloth or microfiber duster that can capture particles rather than sending them back into the air. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask while cleaning, to avoid inhaling any dust or mold you kick up.
Keep outdoor allergens out of the house: You can dramatically reduce indoor pollen by being mindful of what you carry in. Take off your shoes at the door so you’re not tracking in ragweed pollen or mold stuck to your soles. If you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors, change into fresh clothes when you come inside; pollen can cling to your clothing. Shower before bed to rinse pollen out of your hair and off your skin – otherwise you might transfer it to your pillow and breathe it in all night. Also, groom your pets frequently during fall, because their fur can trap pollen and mold spores when they romp outside.
Plan around pollen and mold counts: Get in the habit of checking your local pollen forecast (often available through weather reports or allergy apps). Ragweed pollen counts tend to be highest in the early morning (roughly 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.), so you may want to schedule activities for later in the day during peak season. If you need to do yardwork like raking leaves, try to do it on a day that’s not overly windy (to avoid a face full of mold spores) and consider wearing an N95 mask while you work. Promptly clean up and dispose of fallen leaves and damp yard debris, since letting them sit can produce mold. By being strategic about when you’re outside and under what conditions, you can minimize how much allergen you inhale.
Start medications early (if you have a history of fall allergies): Don’t wait until you’re miserable to take action. Experts advise beginning your allergy medications a week or two before your typical symptoms tend to flare up in the fall. For example, if you usually get hit with ragweed allergy in early September, start taking your preventative meds in mid to late August. Continuing treatment through the season (and even for a couple weeks after the first frost kills off the ragweed) can significantly reduce the severity of your autumn allergies. This proactive approach helps blunt your body’s overreaction before it starts.

“Allergies don’t take a break, even when life carries on indoors.” — Image courtesy of Andrej Lisakov

Common Treatments for Fall Allergies

If avoidance strategies aren’t enough, there are plenty of effective treatments – many available over the counter – to relieve fall allergy symptoms. Here are some of the most common options:

Antihistamines: These medications (available as pills or liquids) work by blocking histamine, the chemical responsible for sneezing, itching, and runny noses during an allergic reaction. Taking a daily, non-drowsy antihistamine can help control baseline symptoms throughout the fall. Popular OTC options include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Antihistamines are good at reducing sneezing, sniffles, and itchy eyes or throat.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Steroid nasal sprays are considered one of the most effective treatments for nasal allergy symptoms. Sprayed once or twice daily into each nostril, they reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure. Fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and budesonide (Rhinocort) are now available over the counter. It’s best to use these preventatively – start at the beginning of allergy season and use them consistently for maximum benefit. (It may take a few days of regular use to feel full relief.)
Decongestants: When nasal congestion is severe, decongestant medicines can provide quick, short-term relief. Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) shrink swollen nasal blood vessels, opening up your breathing passages. Nasal spray decongestants (like oxymetazoline/Afrin) also work fast, but should only be used for a few days to avoid rebound congestion. Decongestants can raise blood pressure and cause jitteriness, so they aren’t suitable for everyone – use them cautiously and according to package directions.
Eye drops and saline rinses: If itchy, watery eyes are a big problem, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can soothe irritation. For nasal relief, a simple saline spray or rinse (using a saltwater solution in a neti pot or squeeze bottle) helps flush out pollen from your nasal passages. Rinsing with saline after spending time outdoors can wash away allergens and moisten your nasal lining, easing congestion without medication. Just be sure to use sterile or distilled water for nasal rinsing to avoid any infections.
Allergy shots or tablets (Immunotherapy): Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that can greatly reduce sensitivity to allergens. After testing to identify your specific triggers, an allergist can prescribe allergy shots – regular injections of tiny amounts of the allergen – that train your immune system to become more tolerant over time. This process can take a few years of weekly or monthly shots, but it can dramatically reduce symptoms and lessen the need for medications in the long run. For certain allergens like ragweed, there are also sublingual immunotherapy tablets that dissolve under the tongue (available by prescription). These tablets, taken daily starting about three months before ragweed season, work similarly to build your immunity. Immunotherapy doesn’t provide instant relief, but it tackles the root cause of allergies and can even “turn off” an allergic response in many cases. It’s an option to consider if your fall allergies are especially severe or not well-controlled with usual medications.

"Fall allergens don’t stop at sniffles – for some, they can flare up asthma too." — Image courtesy of Andrej Lisakov

The Bottom Line:

In summary, don’t brush off that autumn sniffle as “just a cold” – it very well could be allergies. Fall allergens like ragweed, mold, and dust mites are common irritants that cause real misery for millions every year. The good news is that by understanding your triggers and taking sensible precautions, you can significantly reduce your exposure. And if you do start sneezing and wheezing, modern remedies from nasal sprays to antihistamines (and even allergy shots) can offer relief and keep you comfortable. This autumn, enjoy the pumpkin spice and fall foliage without the tissue box: with the right strategies, seasonal allergies in autumn can be managed so you can breathe easy all season long.