While fall is undoubtedly the most popular season of the year (thanks to changing leaves, cooler temps and pumpkin spice lattes), those with allergies know that the crisp air can also deliver an unwanted dose of irritants. Ragweed pollen and mold spores released from decaying leaves may trigger an allergic reaction, causing stuffy noses, sneezes and watery eyes.
But before rushing to your nearest pharmacy, try these options for addressing autumn allergies:
- Pass on the outdoor chores. Raking leaves and cleaning the gutters can stir up allergens, so if you can, hand off these chores to a member of the household who doesn’t have autumn allergies.
- Wear protective clothing. If you need to spend time outside, however, wear long sleeves, pants, a hat and sunglasses to protect your skin, hair and eyes from pollen.
- Remove clothes worn outside. You should also shower right afterward to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
- Rinse nasal passages. Try using saline solution or a neti pot. These simple, low-cost options relieve nasal congestion and flush allergens from your nose.
- Use a humidifier. Keeping your indoor humidity level around 50% helps avoid mucous membranes from becoming dry and inflamed.
“When it comes to fall allergies, hiding inside isn’t enough because the low humidity indoors may also trigger nasal allergy symptoms,” said David Kolde, M.D., a family medicine physician with Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine. “Mucus in the nose will become sticky and block the sinuses, causing congestion and painful pressure.”
If avoiding your allergy triggers and using the above comfort measures still leaves you sniffling, talk to your doctor. There are allergy tests and treatments, such as allergy shots, that can calm your body’s reaction and relieve your discomfort. With the right help, you may actually enjoy autumn!
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To find a doctor at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-436-7936.
David Kolde, M.D., is a board-certified family physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine - Townsend in Jackson. He also serves as the Medical Director of Primary Health, Henry Ford Allegiance Medical Group.
