As the leaves begin to change, many people expect allergy season to fade away. In reality, fall is often when some of the most troublesome allergy symptoms appear. At ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons, our ENT and allergy specialists frequently work together to determine whether symptoms like congestion, sinus pressure and postnasal drip are being driven by seasonal allergens, another medical condition or a combination of both.
Fall allergies are largely tied to the way plants complete their life cycles. As summer transitions into autumn, certain weeds release large amounts of pollen while decaying leaves create conditions that support mold growth. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, ragweed pollen season typically begins in August and can continue until the first hard frost.1 For many people, that means weeks of sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion long after spring allergy season has ended.
What Makes Fall Allergies Different?
Spring allergies are usually associated with trees. Fall has a different personality.
As plants prepare for winter, weeds like ragweed release pollen into the air. Ragweed is especially common throughout the eastern and midwestern United States, including the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Area, where warm late-summer weather can extend allergen exposure well into autumn.1
At the same time, fallen leaves begin to accumulate. Moist leaf piles can encourage mold growth, adding another layer of irritation for people who are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Common fall allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy eyes, nose or throat
- Sinus pressure and headaches
According to NIH MedlinePlus, ragweed pollen commonly triggers symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a stuffy or runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.2
When Over-The-Counter Medications Stop Helping
When symptoms continue despite over-the-counter treatment, several possibilities may be worth exploring:
- Your symptoms may be caused by multiple allergens rather than one trigger.
- The allergy treatment may not be targeting the correct allergen.
- A sinus condition or nasal structural issue could be contributing to symptoms.
This is often where an evaluation that includes both ENT expertise and allergy testing becomes helpful.
Why Do Fall Allergies Often Feel Like A Cold?
Fall allergies can resemble a cold because both conditions commonly cause congestion, a runny nose and throat irritation.
The difference is that allergy symptoms tend to persist as long as allergen exposure continues, while a cold usually resolves within a week or two and may be accompanied by fever or body aches.
When Should Allergy Testing Be Considered?
Allergy testing should be considered when symptoms return season after season, interfere with daily life or fail to improve with standard medications.
Testing can identify specific triggers and help guide a more targeted treatment plan rather than relying on trial and error.
Why Fall Can Be A Smart Time For Allergy Testing
Many patients seek answers after spending weeks managing recurring symptoms.
Because fall allergens are actively circulating during this season, testing can help connect symptoms to specific environmental triggers, whether that’s ragweed, mold spores or another allergen entirely. Having that information often provides a clearer path forward and helps eliminate guesswork.
If you’re tired of wondering whether your symptoms are coming from allergies, sinus concerns or something else, the team at ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons can help you better understand what’s happening and discuss testing options that fit your situation.
Sources
1 Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Ragweed Pollen Allergy.” https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/ragweed-pollen/
2 NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. “What Triggers Seasonal Allergies?” https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/what-triggers-seasonal-allergies