The current severity of allergies is most likely due to fall allergens, especially ragweed pollen, which is a powerful allergen released in large amounts during late summer through fall. Ragweed pollen can travel hundreds of miles, affecting people even if ragweed does not grow nearby. Additionally, mold spores from damp, decaying leaves also increase in fall and can aggravate allergy symptoms. Weather conditions such as dry spells can cause ragweed plants to release more pollen, and fluctuating moisture can promote mold growth and spore release. Dust mites inside homes also become more prevalent with heating usage, contributing further to symptoms. Climate change and warmer falls extend the allergy season, exposing people to allergens longer than usual, which can intensify symptoms now. Typical symptoms include sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and post-nasal drip, which are common to fall allergic rhinitis triggered largely by ragweed and mold.
In summary, your allergies are worse right now because of the peak ragweed pollen season combined with mold spore presence and indoor allergens like dust mites—all heightened by current weather patterns and longer allergy seasons due to climate factors.
