How to Take Control of Your Seasonal Allergies

Achoo! As we approach fall weather, you may already be feeling the seasonal change with some sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.

You’re not alone.

Each year, more than 60 million people in the United States experience seasonal allergic rhinitis – a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air.

“Rhinitis is just a fancy way of saying inflammation in your nose,” explains Dr. Alex Horbal, physician at Midland Allergy & Asthma Clinic and Bay Allergy & Asthma Clinic. “So, if your body gets exposed to something its sensitive to – like ragweed, pollen, dust, cat or dog dander, mold – when you breathe it in it’s going to cause swelling in your nose.”

Dr. Horbal talks fall allergies, including how to relieve symptoms and when to see a specialist.

How to relieve fall allergy symptoms

Patients often use a combination of medication and home remedies to treat their allergy symptoms, but the first step is always avoidance.

“We always say half the battle is finding out what you’re actually allergic to,” Horbal says. “Limiting exposure to allergens is the best way to manage allergies.”

Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to allergy triggers:

• Use a dehumidifier: By keeping indoor humidity low, you can reduce allergens like dust mites and mold. Try keeping a dehumidifier in damp areas, like the basement, for the best effect.
• Clean your vents: Vents in your home can often harbor lots of dust. Consider having your ducts cleaned on a consistent schedule. Also remember to replace your furnace filter every few months.
• Wash your hands and face: After you’ve spent time outdoors, make sure to wash your hands and face when you go back inside to help get rid of any lingering pollen.
• Delegate yardwork: We know someone’s got to mow the lawn, but try avoiding outdoor chores that kick up allergens, like pulling weeds and raking leaves.
• Keep an eye on pollen counts: Local news channels and online weather websites offer pollen forecasts that can help you stay up to date and avoid the outdoors on high days.

If all else fails, there are several over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms.

• Nasal sprays are the most effective line of treatment for allergies, as they work to reduce inflammation in your sinuses.
• Antihistamines are medications that block histamine, the chemical responsible for your allergy symptoms. Medications such as Benadryl, Claritin and Zyrtec have all been shown to effectively treat allergy symptoms.
• Decongestants work by shrinking your blood vessels to help ease a stuff nose. Be careful, though. They are intended for short-term use because long-term use can result in dependence and rebound congestion.

When to see an allergist

If you’re doing everything you can to avoid allergens but still can’t kick the sneezing and watery eyes, it may be time to see an allergy specialist for extra help and testing.

“There are a lot of reasons why people get rhinitis, and what we do here is help narrow down and hopefully figure out what you’re allergic to so you can get some answers,” Dr. Horbal says. “We can do a skin test to identify a patient’s specific allergens. If you show significant sensitivities with testing, you may be a candidate for allergy shots.”

And as Dr. Horbal points out, not all runny noses are due to allergies.

“Sometimes we get through testing, and we find that the patient doesn’t have allergies even though they present like they do. We then take a step back and talk about other potential diagnoses such as bacterial infection or polyps in the nose.”

Ultimately, there isn’t a cure for allergies, but by arming yourself with preventative measures, medication, and pollen forecasts, you can enjoy that crisp fall air rather than sneeze your way through it.

Dr. Alexander Horbal, D.O., is an allergy and immunology physician accepting new patients at Midland Allergy & Asthma Clinic and Bay Allergy & Asthma Clinic.