Have you ever noticed that your allergy symptoms are worse during or following rainfall? If so, you’re not alone. There are several reasons why rainfall can aggravate your allergies. This guide will help you understand why your allergies are worse when it rains and provide tips on reducing your allergy symptoms.

Why Are Allergies Worse When It Rains?

There are many reasons why your allergies might be worse during or following a rain storm. Here are three of the most common ways rain affects your allergies.

Rain Induces Plant Growth

One of the most common allergens is pollen. Pollen is a yellow, powdery substance found on plants, trees, grass, and weeds that is spread by the wind, birds, and other animals and insects. Many different types of pollen exist that come from a variety of plants, trees, grass, and weeds.

Rainfall promotes plant and grass growth, producing greater levels of pollen as they grow. If the climate is suitable for plants to grow following rain showers, you’ll likely experience worsening allergy symptoms. But this isn’t the only way rain affects pollen levels.

Rain Causes Pollen Levels to Fluctuate

Pollen thrives in dry and humid climates. Because of this, pollen levels tend to drop initially during rainfall. This is because the water vapor and rain drops break down airborne pollen, preventing it from traveling any further during the rainfall.

However, this relief is usually short-lived. Even though rain can help break down bigger clumps of pollen, the smaller clumps that remain can become airborne much easier after the rain stops. Once airborne, pollen can linger in the atmosphere and even travel great distances in the wind.

Rain Produces Mold

Mold thrives in wet and damp conditions, so rainfall promotes mold production. If you have a mold allergy, you’ll likely notice your allergy symptoms flaring up for several hours or even days after a rainfall.

Mold is found outside and inside, but mold growth in the home can be especially troublesome for allergy sufferers. If your home has poor insulation, leaks, or isn’t adequately ventilated, rainfall is much more likely to get into your home and create a breeding ground for mold growth.

But mold outside your home is also a problem, especially if you enjoy spending time in your yard. Mold is particularly attracted to wood surfaces, so any wooden decks or fences you have are prime spots for mold growth. Not only will this aggravate your allergies, but it can also cause the wood to rot to the point that it needs to be repaired or replaced.

How to Reduce Rain-Related Allergy Symptoms

While nothing can be done to prevent rain from happening, there are several things you can do to help lessen the severity of allergies provoked by rainfall.

• Pay close attention to the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Also, look at the allergy and pollen forecasts for your area.
• Avoid going outside when it’s raining whenever possible. Consider wearing a mask if you must go outside to protect against airborne allergens.
• Wearing sunglasses outside can also help keep pollen away from your eyes and face.
• If you’ve been outside in the rain, take a shower and change your clothes when you get home.
• Keep your windows closed and turn on the air conditioner to help keep pollen out.
• Use an air filter to help filter out any pollen that gets into your home.
• Use a humidifier in any damp rooms to help combat mold production.
• Keep any wooden decks and fences outside your home clean and free of leaves and debris that promote mold growth when it rains.
• Over-the-counter allergy medications can help offer temporary relief on days when your symptoms are bad.

Get Relief from Allergy Symptoms

Allergies will always be an issue in the rainy season, but if you pay attention to your symptoms and take certain precautions, you can reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms.

The first step to effective allergy relief is knowing what causes your allergies. At AFC Urgent Care Willowbrook, our allergy tests can detect up to 60 different allergens in as little as 15 minutes. Once we understand what’s causing your allergies, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you lead a happier, healthier, and more comfortable life.

Schedule your appointment today!