Seasonal allergies can cause you to feel miserable when they strike during the fall. Find out the best ways to treat allergic reactions to common fall allergens, from the experts at Smith-Caldwell.
When the weather starts to get cooler, you might find that you feel more congested than usual. Certain allergens can trigger allergic reactions during late summer and fall. Knowing how to treat these reactions can help you to have a more enjoyable season.
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
When seasonal allergies occur during fall, some of the most common symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and an itchy nose. Unlike colds, allergies tend to produce clear, thin discharge from your nose. You might also have a cough or feel like you have less energy than usual. Seasonal allergies can also cause your eyes to feel itchy or watery. In some cases, the skin below the eyes can look bluish or swollen.
Causes of Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies in fall can happen when you are exposed to an allergen that causes your immune system to react. Your immune system treats the allergen as an intruder and releases histamine and other chemicals in response, which is why you end up with allergy symptoms. Some common allergens that are around in late summer and fall include ragweed and mold spores. Keep in mind that doing fall activities, such as raking leaves, can stir up these allergens and increase your risk of exposure.
Treatments for Seasonal Allergies
When you have an allergic reaction to ragweed or other seasonal allergens, there are different kinds of nonprescription medications available to ease your symptoms. The kind of allergy medicine that works best for you will depend on your symptoms and how severe they are. Some of the treatment options you will find include:
- Antihistamines: These oral medications can be effective at treating common seasonal allergy symptoms, such as itchy or watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose.
- Decongestants: These medications come in capsules and other oral forms, as well as nasal sprays. Decongestants can relieve nasal congestion that seasonal allergies can cause, but they should only be used for a few days. Using them longer can make your nasal congestion worse.
- Antihistamine and decongestant combinations: Some medications for seasonal allergies include both of these, which is suitable if you have congestion and other symptoms.
Other treatments for allergies are also available. Nasal irrigation, which involves rinsing congested nasal passages with sterile water, can eliminate allergens in your nose. If you have severe seasonal allergies that do not respond to over-the-counter medication, you might benefit from getting allergy injections. These shots help your immune system learn to tolerate the presence of allergens. Keep in mind that limiting your exposure to seasonal allergens also helps. This means avoiding going outside when ragweed counts are high, using your air conditioner inside your home to clean your indoor air and wearing a pollen mask if you need to do any yardwork or gardening.
If you are preparing for seasonal allergies before fall, talk to the experts at Smith-Caldwell Drug Store. For allergy treatments or more information, please contact Smith-Caldwell Drug Store at (501) 315-7700 to speak to a pharmacist.