It’s way too early for me to be awake. I’m talking 2 hours before my alarm goes off and I have to get ready for work, too early. Unfortunately I was having a bizarre dream and woke up needing my inhaler, which I haven’t done in years. That makes me wonder if I’m sick or is this just allergies?

What I’m Allergic to This Time of Year

Ragweed

This plant grows everywhere, but is especially prominent in the Midwest and along the East Coast. A single ragweed plant can produce 1 billion pollen grains. We have a field on our other lot that has lord knows what growing in it. That along with the fact that Michigan has had an exceptionally warm fall, means these plants get an extended pollination period this year.

Mold Spores in Wet Leaves

We all know that in autumn the leaves fall off the trees. The next step in the natural process is decomposition to nourish the soil for spring. It’s a beautiful example of the earth rejuvenating itself, but it’s also a great place for allergies to start.

Mold likes to grow in damp, shady areas. Leaves that get raked but not bagged, or even ones the blow in the breeze and end up piled under a pine tree are the perfect breeding ground for mold after a good rain. Then that fall wind kicks up again and blows all those mold spores into the air.

Out here in the country no one rakes and bags leaves. They do run them over with their lawn mowers though, which is another quick way to toss spores into the air.

Dust

This is a year round allergen for most of us. I have dogs who bring in dirt and dust from outside. I live on a dirt road where cars kick up dust all day long. It’s a part of life.

That part just got bigger though. We started packing in the basement last weekend. It’s been an act of purging things we have no idea why we saved and finding things we forgot even existed. The area under the stairs has proven to be particularly dusty. 🤧

Treatment

I’m pretty old school when it comes to dealing with my allergies.

1. Close the windows and stay in doors on windy days. Minimal exposure means minimal symptoms.
2. Benadryl! I hate taking a pill everyday but sometimes the symptoms become too much and I reach for the Benadryl. Bonus, I get a good nap as well.

That’s it. I hope this helps you identify what ails you. I also hope you feel well enough to enjoy the final days of Halloween season.

Take care

Kristie