Many people are surprised to learn that the stuffy nose they get in fall may not be a cold—it can actually be allergies. While the majority of seasonal allergy sufferers are afflicted during the late spring and early summer, fall allergies can be just as potent. These allergies typically affect people from August through late October or early November. Fortunately, there are treatments available to reduce or eliminate the suffering caused by fall allergies.
Causes Of Fall Allergies
Fall allergies can usually be blamed on one of two things: weeds and outdoor molds. Pollen from ragweed, sagebrush, and tumbleweed are in the air constantly during these late summer/early fall months. These airborne allergens can cause allergy symptoms for those allergic to weeds. Molds, too, get kicked up into the air from the dirt on windy days and can stay in the air for several days at a time. These make their way easily into the air inside our homes or work places, as well.
Fall Allergy Symptoms
Fall allergy symptoms are basically the same as those that hit earlier in the year. Stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, drowsiness, fatigue, and sore throat can all affect a fall allergy sufferer. Those with asthma are also at risk as these allergens often trigger respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, don’t assume you’re getting a cold or a mystery strain of a winter virus—allergies might be the culprit.
Fall Allergy Treatments
As with other allergies, sufferers have a number of treatment options available to them:
- Medication—For certain allergies, medications can work well to control eye, nose and chest symptoms.
- Desensitization (allergy shots)—Allergy shots can permanently decrease a person’s sensitivity to a given allergen, reducing or eliminating symptoms.
- Avoidance Measures—Even without direct treatment, avoidance of an allergen can work. Since fall allergies are typically a result of airborne allergens, though, total avoidance is nearly impossible for these particular triggers.
If you suspect you may be suffering from fall allergies, give Asthma & Allergy Associates a call today, (888) 926-9834 to explore your treatment options.