How to manage fall allergies

Fall in the Midwest is ripe with outdoor activities. Between picking apples and raking leaves, sometimes the fall weather can also bring sniffles and sneezes. Spending time in nature before the snow falls can be tough when nearly one in three adults have seasonal allergies.

Now is the time you might start noticing fall allergy symptoms. There is a very predictable season for fall allergies beginning mid-August until the first major frost. If you experience sniffing, sneezing and itchiness this time of year, you may have fall allergies. The most common allergens in the fall include:

• pollen
• ragweed
• molds.

Fall allergy symptoms

Allergies share many symptoms with the common cold, but usually allergies cause more itching of the eyes and nose and can include:

• itchy, runny nose
• watery, itchy eyes
• sneezing
• coughing.

Is it fall allergies or a cold?

The beginning of fall is also often the beginning of cold season. Fall allergies and colds can have the same symptoms. Between sniffles and the sneezes, it can be hard to tell them apart. In general, allergies cause more itching of the eyes and nose than a cold. A cold might last a week to ten days, but allergies symptoms will last weeks or even months.

How seasonal allergies are diagnosed

There are two ways to test for allergies. In most cases, both tests are equally accurate.

1. Epicutaneous, which is the technical term for “scratch tests” or “skin tests,” where drops of potential allergens are put on the skin and observed. A welt would indicate a positive skin test, meaning you’re allergic to the particular allergen.
2. Blood tests measure sensitivity to specific allergens.

How to relieve fall allergy symptoms

Assuming you don’t want to stay indoors all season to avoid symptoms, there are a variety of treatments available for fall allergies.

Nasal sprays

The trick is to anticipate and start early in the allergy season because some take two weeks to start working. It’ is important to follow directions, using only recommended dosages for recommended durations because some can actually increase congestion if used for too long.

• Decongestant nasal sprays, for example, Afrin, shrink blood vessels in your nose and throat to make breathing easier. However, if used longer than instructed decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion.
• Antihistamine nasal sprays, like Astepro and Astelin, help relieve congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
• Steroid nasal sprays relieve sneezing and congestion by reducing inflammation in nose. Examples include Flonase, Rhinocort and Nasacort.

Oral allergy medicine

Antihistamines help ease sneezing and itching by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Decongestants decrease stuffiness by drying up mucus and shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passageway. They’re available in a pill such as Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin and Sudafed. 

However, allergy medicines aren’t for everyone. For example, someone with high blood pressure can’t take certain allergy medicines. Talk with your doctor about your history to find what’s right for you.

Eye drops

These can reduce the itchy, watery eyes associated with allergies. They provide quick relief, but the effect may last only a few hours. Brands of eye drops include Pataday and Zaditor.

Minimize time outdoors during high pollen

Check the pollen count daily. Several trustworthy resources are available to monitor the highest counts of the day, usually occurring between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Minimize time spent outside during that time.

Natural remedies

If you prefer a more natural route to ease symptoms, there can be benefits with making dietary changes, herbal remedies or getting acupuncture. Use a Netipot or Navage once a day to get rid of allergens in your nasal passages and shower before bed when you’ve spent time outdoors to wash away allergens.

One thing to note, drug prices vary dramatically. Local pharmacies or Walgreens may be priced differently than Amazon, Costco or Sam’s Club.

When to see an allergist

If fall allergies negatively impact your quality of life, you should consult an allergist. Allergists can prescribe other therapies including allergy shots, which desensitize an individual by injecting a very small amount of an allergen into the body. Though they are very time consuming because the shots are given year-round for four or five years, they typically help you achieve tolerance to the allergen.

Because there are so many treatments possible, no one should deny themselves ample time outdoors! Significant relief is possible for everyone when an appropriate plan is made to take the correct medicines at the correct time.