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Autumn is coming soon, and with the changing leaves comes a new set of allergy issues. Luckily, there are steps you can take before and during fall to ensure that the next few months aren’t hampered by allergies.
During the fall time, the most common allergen many patients come across is ragweed. This flowering weed releases pollen in late August and through the duration of autumn and can cause numerous symptoms. Grasses will also release pollen in the fall. In fact, there’s a significant crossover between those who have spring allergies from tree and grass pollen and those who are affected by ragweed pollen.
If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, you may experience symptoms such as:
These symptoms can range in severity and frequency depending on your sensitivity to allergens like ragweed. However, it’s important to monitor these symptoms and ask yourself questions like, “Does this happen yearly?” or “Have these symptoms gotten worse since moving to North Carolina?” if you’re new to the state. They’re also similar to symptoms you may experience with a cold or flu that may occur around this time period. According to Dr. Roy Lewis, a CEENTA otolaryngologist and allergist who practices out of our Mooresville office, “Patients that feel like they have a cold every fall should consider allergy testing.”
There are a few things you can do at home to manage your allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce your congestion and facial swelling, while nasal irrigation can flush out some of the pollen from your nose. A key tip is to start your nasal steroid spray at least a month before fall allergy season in order for it to be effective. As Dr. Lewis has observed, “The combination of a topical nasal steroid spray and an over-the-counter antihistamine keeps most people comfortable. For the rest, I like to test them and treat their allergies so they can enjoy the fall again.”
On that same note, cleaning your living space and clothes after you have been outside can limit the amount of pollen from remaining with you. An air filter can also help curb your exposure to this allergen. Pollen counts are also highest in the morning, so going for a walk in the afternoon can limit your exposure.
If your fall allergies are a constant fixture in your life, you can receive professional treatment by an allergy specialist at CEENTA. Our otolaryngologists can test you for common environmental allergens like ragweed that could be causing your symptoms. From there, they can recommend immunotherapy options that cater to your lifestyle, including:
Put allergies behind you this fall with an allergy appointment at CEENTA. Schedule yours today with Dr. Roy Lewis at our Mooresville office and enjoy the changing weather again.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our ENT doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
