Despite the warm temperatures and blossoming life, spring isn’t pleasant for everyone. For those with allergies, it can be the start of something terrible. What most people don’t know is that the fall can equally throw you off.
Fall allergies are caused mostly by ragweed that releases pollen in the late summer to October. If you suddenly feel allergies come on during the fall, odds are you have hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
Your body’s immune system turns its attention away from attacking bacteria or viruses and instead releases the chemical histamine to fight the weed pollens, which it sees as a threat. It can be hard to know how to differentiate fall allergies from other sinus conditions and even after you’re sure they can be confusing to treat.
Here are 5 ways you can tell that you’ve got fall allergies and suggestions on how to treat them.
1) Runny Nose, Sneezing, Coughing
These symptoms are all common to a myriad of sinus and bacterial conditions but they are pronounced when you have allergic rhinitis. You may notice them increase in severity and last a lot longer than usual beginning in August.
If you’re no stranger to allergies than you’ll know the value of decongestants. Usually over the counter, they’re an easy way to help you cope.
2) Itchy/Swollen eyes
Moist, red eyes are a telltale sign of fall allergies, especially if you’ve come from outside. If you notice your eyes flare up even when you’re inside and the environment is moist, it’s most likely an allergic reaction.
Antihistamine or decongestant eye drops will not only provide relief to your eyes but also to your nose.
3) Post-nasal drip/Facial Pressure
These are usually associated with sinus conditions but they can creep up on you if you’re in the midst of fall allergies. They come on strong because of your body releasing histamine, thinking it’s fighting off an invading virus.
Anti-histamines, naturally are a great way to counteract the effect of your body’s confusion. These are also easy to find in a pharmacy.
4) You’re miserable, even inside
Contrary to popular opinion, being agoraphobic will not help you survive allergies. Although avoiding going out during high pollen counts like the morning will help, pollen can travel miles. Not only that but several things inside can aggravate your allergies including mold and food.
Cleaning thoroughly, using an air conditioner and avoiding foods like banana and melon can definitely help.
Which Allergy Treatment is Right for Me?
To treat allergies, most people need to reduce exposure to the allergen and take medication, often antihistamines and nasal decongestants. For more severe cases, allergy shots may be needed to build up the body’s immune response to the allergen over time.
