CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fall in the Carolinas means it's time for apple picking, pumpkin spice, and cooler weather.
But for many allergy sufferers, it means sniffling, sneezing and itchy eyes.
Weed pollen is the most abundant allergen this time of year, especially ragweed pollen. But folks across the Charlotte area can also expect a resurgence of some grass pollen and in some years, even tree pollen can make a return.
Dr. Roopen Patel, the president of Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center, says that ragweed is typically our fall-time pollen.
"Using the calendar, we usually tell our patients that mid-August to September is when ragweed starts to develop," he says.
Once the first frost occurs, that's a signal that pollen counts will start to diminish. Unfortunately, when the weather is really warm, ragweed can develop early and last longer.
In 2021 so far, the Charlotte area is experiencing its 30th warmest year on record. But the first frost? Typically doesn’t occur until the end of October or early November.
Mold is also a concern during autumn.
"We know that the fall time when leaves are falling, the decaying process is occurring, that’s when mold counts are really going to escalate," says Patel.
We can’t control that pollen is all around us. But you can control what you do about it. And don’t assume you even have allergies at all.
Dr. Patel also says that many people come into their center assuming they have allergies. In reality, they don't, and it could be an infection or something else.
He says the best thing you can do is get tested and become educated on what you're allergic to. That way, you know what you’re up against and can tailor your approach.