With the end of summer in sight and the beautiful days of autumn just ahead, it’s also time for seasonal allergy sufferers to plan ahead. Fall allergies in Georgia often stem from ragweed pollen, with mold still thriving both indoors and outdoors. Spending more time inside may be a problem if you’re sensitive to dust mites.
When your usual allergy coping methods come up short, it’s time to visit Nizar A. Tejani, MD, PC in Stockbridge, Georgia. Dr. Tejani specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, providing relief from the annual challenges of immune system sensitivities.
The best response to fall allergy season includes your efforts, too. In fact, there’s much you can do to help ease the impact. To help, we’ve prepared this list of five expert tips to keep your seasonal allergies in check this fall.
An allergic reaction is an abnormal response by your immune system to substances called allergens. Usually, allergens are harmless, although the immune system of a person with sensitivity to them can become overactive, producing attacks on the allergens that cause a wide range of responses.
Seasonal allergies result in respiratory symptoms, such as runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other reactions that indicate the return of allergens. Experts agree that avoiding allergy triggers is the best way to limit your body’s physical reaction.
When a seasonal allergen like ragweed is on your trigger list, consider strategies like:
With unseen allergen triggers like ragweed pollen, it’s sometimes hard to stay active outdoors while avoiding the problem at the source. However, avoidance isn’t your only option.
Ragweed provides some assistance in managing allergies by being predictable in its pollen release. Many ragweed sufferers are aware of the calendar date when their symptoms typically appear, usually in mid-to-late August, and often last into October.
Consider starting over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications two weeks before your traditional allergy season starts and continuing for about two weeks after the first hard frost in your area, as pollen symptoms can persist after that point.
When you’re outside, your clothing and hair can carry pollen into your home. Change outfits promptly, and remove your shoes at the door to avoid tracking pollen through the house. Include a hat and sunglasses outside to limit pollen collection.
Stock up on furnace filters, choose a vacuum cleaner that uses high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and consider adding portable HEPA air filters or dehumidifiers to scrub seasonal allergens from your living space. Using a filter mask over your mouth and nose can help when you’re outside, such as gardening or mowing the lawn.
Dr. Tejani can help by developing an immunotherapy plan tailored to your allergy sensitivities. Allergy shots desensitize your body’s allergic responses over time, gradually reducing the severity of your seasonal allergy symptoms.
Relief starts with a call to Nizar A. Tejani, MD, PC. Call or click to book a visit to our Stockbridge office today.
