Fighting Fall Allergies

Posted on: 31 July 2016

Just when things are starting to cool down in the fall, something else starts to heat up: fall allergies.  Pollen, mold, and other substances can make you miserable for months. The worst offender for many people is ragweed pollen. If treatments that you have used before have not been working well, you need to try some new strategies this autumn.

Causes

Most of your fall allergy symptoms are caused by the pollen released by ragweed flowers. Up to 30% of Americans suffer from an allergic reaction to this pollen. Your body feels under attack by this substance and fights back by over-producing antibodies. The resulting battle causes your nose to run, your eyes to itch, and other unpleasant physical reactions. Trying to completely remove yourself from ragweed in the fall can be nearly impossible, so you need to find effective treatment.

OTC Treatments

You can purchase a number of OTC aids to help you get through the season. In addition to a number of antihistamines that offer relief but can make you sleepy, you can now buy fluticasone nasal spray without a prescription. Corticosteroids are highly recommended for hay fever because they block the production of the substances that cause your allergic symptoms. Also, you generally only use the spray once or twice a day, so it is convenient.  Although it can cause some side effects, you won't have to battle the sleepiness that some medications cause. 

Other Treatments

If OTC treatments do not work, your allergist may decide to prescribe shots that help you build up a tolerance to ragweed pollen. Other treatments include prescription strength meds, some of which need to be started several months before the season begins. You may have to try several courses of treatment before you find the best one for you, but do not give up. No one should be forced to feel awful from late summer until the first freeze. 

Doctors also recommend you limit your exposure to ragweed as much as possible by staying inside with the windows and doors closed. Air conditioning helps, so even when things cool off a bit, you may want to keep your AC on. Fresh air, in this case, can just make your symptoms worse. If you are not getting real relief, try different OTC solutions or visit your allergist. It may be time to start shots or to take stronger medication. Don't settle for a miserable fall. Plan for hay fever season now. 

Speak with a business like Dymista to learn more.

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