Fall Allergy Season Approaching Peak, Signs Pointing Towards A Normal Pollen Count

The fall allergy season so far seems like it will be a normal one.

That is according to Cookeville Allergist-Immunologist Dr. Erin Rohman. Rohman said the peak season should be less severe than last spring which saw a high pollen count.

“I would say the peak is more towards the end of September early October,” Rohman said. “But definitely, we are already starting to see those pollens appearing. So we expect anytime for our allergy patients to start experiencing symptoms.”

Rohman said the main culprit for fall allergies is ragweed. Ragweed is a North American plant of the daisy family with green flowers that produce lots of pollen.

“Ragweed season is upon us,” Rohman said. “I just noticed our pollen count recently. They have gone from low to moderate and we’re expecting them to be high even in the next week or two.”

Rohman said while the fall season seems to be consistent at this time, there is really no way to predict how severe the pollen will get. Rohman said a well timed rain can cause even more ragweed to bloom.

“Rain can be both good and bad,” Rohman said. “If we get a lot of rain and you are a pollen ragweed sufferer, the day is probably better for you, because the rain can dampen the pollen count. However, that rain makes plants grow, and you’re just going to see more ragweed.”

Rohman said you may especially feel the impacts since many people often open their windows to enjoy the fall air. Rohman said another issue in the fall is mold. Rohman said once the leaves start falling, the mold spore count increases.