Coping with Fall allergies

TIPS FOR A SNEEZE-FREE SEASON

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

As we prepare for the leaves to change and the air to turn crisp, many of us look forward to the cozy embrace of autumn. However, for allergy sufferers, the season brings an array of allergens that can turn it into an allergy-fueled nightmare. This year don’t let allergies hold you back. By adopting the right strategies, it’s possible to enjoy fall and savor its beauty with minimal discomfort.

UNDERSTANDING FALL ALLERGIES

Autumn allergy triggers include ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Ragweed, a prolific pollen producer, can travel hundreds of miles, affecting people far from its source. Mold spores thrive in damp, fallen leaves and can be airborne, especially on windy days. Although present year-round, dust mites can become more problematic when homes are closed up during cooler weather.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, throat, and ears, and coughing. In more severe cases, you might experience headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Stuffy sinuses may lead to a sinus infection.

If you experience these and other symptoms, see your doctor, who can determine if they’re allergy-related or due to a cold or another illness. If allergies are suspected, testing can pinpoint the specific allergens causing your symptoms, allowing for more targeted treatment.

In some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) can be an effective long-term solution, gradually reducing your sensitivity to allergens.

EFFECTIVE COPING STRATEGIES

Monitor Pollen Levels: Stay informed about daily pollen counts. On days when pollen levels are high, consider limiting your time outside, especially during peak pollen times such as early morning.

Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home’s heating and cooling systems to trap pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Regularly clean and vacuum your home, especially carpets and upholstered furniture, where allergens can accumulate. Also, some pillows are made of materials that allow dust mites, pollen, and other irritants to settle in them. Be sure to wash your bed pillows regularly.

Shower and Change Clothes: After spending time outdoors, shower and put on clean clothes to remove any pollen that might have settled on your body and clothing. This simple step can significantly reduce indoor allergen levels.

Try OTC Allergy Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can relieve allergy symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider for recommendations and to understand what OTC products can be taken safely if you have a medical condition or are taking certain prescription medications.

Create a Pollen-Free Zone: Designate your bedroom as an allergen-free zone. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if necessary. Consider using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to minimize exposure to dust mites.

Manage Mold: Mold spores thrive in damp environments. Manage humidity levels in your home by using a dehumidifier if needed. Regularly clean areas prone to mold growth, such as bathrooms and basements, with mold-killing solutions.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and keep nasal passages moist, making it easier for the body to flush out allergens.

NATURAL REMEDIES

Ask your doctor about remedies such as gentle nasal saline irrigation to help clear out allergens from nasal passages or drinking herbal teas with anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it’s believed that local honey, taken regularly, may help build immunity to local pollen.

How Does Allergy Immunotherapy Work?

It is estimated that allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Does a food allergy make you more susceptible to environmental allergies such as grass, ragweed pollen, and hay fever? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children with food allergies are two-to-four times more likely to suffer from environmental allergies.

Conversely, people with asthma are more likely to have food allergies as well. The immune system is put to the test, fighting symptoms of food and environmental allergies. So, that runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, sneezing, burning eyes, and itching may be more than just a nuisance. It can make life miserable and create other health issues.