Finding Relief from Fall Allergies

CLEVELAND – Feeling stuffy and congested? You’re not alone. Fall allergy season is in full swing.

And while we all enjoy taking in the fall colors, the leaves this time of year can actually make your symptoms worse.

“One of the big things we talk about is the leaves falling,” explained DeVon Preston, MD, an allergist with Cleveland Clinic. “There are molds that attach to the leaves, and then those mold allergens get blown around.”

Along with molds, weeds are another big trigger for fall allergy symptoms.

To find some relief, Dr. Preston said nasal steroids or nasal antihistamines can help with symptoms like congestion, sneezing or runny nose.

An oral antihistamine can address any itching.

Dr. Preston also suggests keeping your car and house windows shut to avoid letting any outside allergens in.

But if your symptoms don’t get any better, it may be time to check in with an allergist.

“An allergist can help you find out exactly what you’re allergic to,” Dr. Preston said. “If you’ve tried different over-the-counter interventions with no improvements, we may have to identify another treatment approach. In some cases, it may not even be allergies that are causing your symptoms.”

Dr. Preston adds fall allergy season typically peaks in September or October and lasts until the first frost or hard freeze.