How to Identify Fall Allergies: Prevention and Treatment Tips
Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with MinuteClinic as part of their Fall Allergy campaign. As part of my involvement, I have received sponsorship from MinuteClinic for my fall allergies posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are purely my own.
Family activities abound in the fall. From apple picking and hay rides to pumpkin patches and football games, there’s a good chance your family will be outdoors. With the changing season comes fall allergies. I’ve partnered with MinuteClinic to spread the word on how to identify fall allergies, what sets them apart from other common fall ailments, and prevention and treatment options available at MinuteClinic.
My daughter and I suffer from allergies, and on the rare occasion we forget to take allergy medicine, we know right away. My symptoms come in the form of itchy skin and congestion while my daughter’s ailments include irritated eyes and a runny nose.
We go to CVS to treat our allergy needs. Both of us use the CVS version of Zyrtec allergy medicine. It’s a much better value versus its pricey brand name counterpart. While shopping at CVS we also stock up on eye drops and tissue boxes.
For the times we need to see a medical expert, we go to MinuteClinic — the walk-in medical clinic inside select CVS pharmacy and Target stores in 33 states and the District of Columbia. It’s open 7 days a week, including weekday evening hours, and they accept most health care insurance. The MinuteClinic family practitioners can diagnose allergies as well as provide a recommended treatment plan which may include a prescription if medically necessary.
How to Identify Fall Allergies
What IS an allergy?
An allergy is the body’s hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some foods can cause allergic reactions.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are a reaction to small airborne substances. These allergens are small proteins that usually float around in the spring, summer and fall.
So, my never-ending cold may actually be allergies?
Yes. A cold will typically clear up pretty quickly within 7-10 days. Allergies may last weeks or even months.
What is the best way to treat allergies?
The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen.
Colds or Flu vs. Allergies
Did you know that 35 million Americans suffer from allergies and don’t even know it? That’s because many people confuse the symptoms of fall allergies with a common cold or the flu.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.
- If your symptoms develop fast, it’s likely allergies. Allergy symptoms flare up as soon as you’ve come into contact with an allergen, whereas cold symptoms can take several days to develop.
- If you have a cough, it’s probably a cold. Most people with a cold will have a cough, but not everyone with allergies will have this symptom.
- Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies but rarely occur with the common cold!
- The color of your mucus may indicate whether or not you have cold or the flu or if it’s just allergies. Green/yellow mucus can be a sign of a cold or flu. Mucus from allergies should be a clear liquid.
- One of the worst things about a cold is the fever that goes with it. If you have a fever, it’s not allergies – you’ve got a cold and if it lasts three to four days, it’s likely the flu.
- If you’re aching all over, it’s probably the flu, not allergies. Aches and pains are not symptoms of allergies or even most colds.
- How quickly did your symptoms arise? You are likely to feel flu symptoms suddenly, whereas allergy symptoms can worsen within a few days.
- Severe shortness of breath may seem like a symptom for allergies, but it is probably a sign of the flu.
What is the difference between spring and fall allergies?
- It’s important to note that the symptoms for all allergies are the same, regardless of whether they present themselves in the spring or fall. Itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headache, and sinus pressure are general allergy symptoms.
- Outdoor allergens like tree pollens are likely to cause your spring allergies.
- There are more allergy triggers in the fall. Typically weed pollens like ragweed and mold allergies are those that flare up come fall. Certain foods like bananas, melon and zucchini can also be a trigger for those allergic to ragweed.
- Dust mites are a common allergen in the fall. When you start to close up your house when the weather gets cooler, old blankets and quilts could be hosting dust mites that can be an irritant.
Allergy Treatment and Relief
How can I protect my family and myself?
Symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Nasal saline, decongestants, and over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help relieve symptoms as well.
So, how do I deal with allergies in the fall?
If you are struggling to feel well, see a healthcare provider. At MinuteClinic, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can recommend the right course of over-the-counter medications and write prescriptions when medically appropriate. They can review medical history, perform a physical exam, analyze symptoms, and decide on a treatment plan.
Limit allergen exposure.
Stay indoors, especially on dry, windy days when pollen counts are high and ragweed is in the air. Run the air conditioner versus opening the windows which lets allergens in the house. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment can help remove pollen from the air and help you breathe easier. Avoid raking leaves, especially when they are wet and the likeliness of mold is high. Wear a face mask if you need to do yard work and take off your clothes and shoes when you come into the house.
Rinse your sinuses.
Nasal irrigation – rinsing your sinuses to remove mucus and allergens from your nose – is a great way to help ease congestion.
Try over-the-counter allergy medications.
Many antihistamines – which can come in liquid, pill and eye drop form – are available without a prescription. They work to block histamine and relieve itchy noses and throats, sneezing, and watery eyes.
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Photo: freedigitalphotos.net
Allergies are the worst because you tend to feel sick all the time!!