Tired of Allergies? Take These Steps

Are the sneezes, sniffles, scratchy throat and itchy eyes from seasonal allergies getting you down? It may be time to step up your treatment.

Fighting Fall Allergies

Seasonal allergies are always around. But based on what triggers your allergies, you may suffer more during different times of the year.

The time of shorter days and swirling leaves is a bad one for people who are sensitive to mold and ragweed pollen. Here are the main fall offenders.

Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Ragweed is a common cause. It can be a problem until a hard freeze, based on where you live. 

Try This: You can use over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines to control symptoms. Or check with your doctor to see if allergy shots are an option.

Fall Weather Woes
The warm temperatures before winter kicks in can make symptoms stick around longer. And mold spores can be released when humidity is high and when it’s windy and dry. 

Try This: For the best results, take your medicine before your symptoms start. You can track your allergies with online trackers or smartphone apps to help figure out what triggers your symptoms and when.

Leaves that Linger
Raking leaves can stir up pollen and mold, which are allergy triggers for many people. 

Try This: When doing yard work, wear a mask that filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles. Change clothes and rinse off when you go inside to make sure you don’t spread pollen or mold around the house.

Tips for Any Season

Making a few minor changes to your routine year-round can help lessen your exposure to allergens. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these tips:

• Keep an eye on pollen counts. Many websites and apps have information about pollen and mold counts in your area. Check them regularly to see when levels of your triggers are high. On those days, try to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. If you need to be outside, N95 masks, hats and sunglasses can help.
• Change your HVAC filter every three months. Choose a high-quality filter, like those with a MERV rating of 11 to 13, for the best filtration of pollen and mold.
• Leave your shoes at the door.  And change out of your clothes immediately when you come in from spending time outdoors.
• Shower or bathe at night. That will help avoid bringing allergens into your bed.
• Don’t hang clothes or bedding outside to dry. Use your dryer or hang dry inside to avoid getting allergens on your clothes and bedding.

Time to Test?

You’ve likely tried OTC and prescription medicines to treat your allergy symptoms. If that isn’t working as well as you’d like, talk to your doctor about allergy testing.

Is your enemy pet dander, pollen, mold or dust mites? Allergy tests may tell you. They are used to help develop a treatment plan. The plan might include avoiding some things, using certain medicines or getting allergy shots.

In allergy skin tests, small amounts of allergy-causing substances are put on your skin. Then your response is measured and tracked.

The Mayo Clinic says allergy skin tests are generally safe for adults and children. They’re used to help find conditions like:

• Hay fever
• Allergic asthma
• Dermatitis (eczema)
• Penicillin allergy
• Bee venom allergy
• Food allergies (these may call for more tests)

Blood tests may be an option for people who can’t have skin tests because they:

• Have had severe allergic reactions
• Take medicine that might interfere with the results
• Have severe skin conditions

If you’re tired of your allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor about what next steps are best for you.

Sources: Autumn is coming: Get ahead of allergy symptoms now,  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2023; Allergy skin tests,   Mayo Clinic, 2024