Season brings effects of ragweed

As the allergies of summer start to wear off, some people might be left wondering why they are still sneezing. Fall allergies might come from different triggers, but the symptoms can seem very familiar.

Dr. Brett Koder with the Willis- Knighton Health System said some of the most common symptoms are nasal congestion, running nose, sneezing and itchy eyes or throat – all symptoms that can be found during other seasonal allergies. Of those side effects of fall allergies, a couple of them can oftentimes be misinterpreted.

“Colds and/or sinus problems can be confused with allergies,” Koder said. “These disorders frequently run together or go from one into the other.”

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are some key differences to look for in symptoms relating to allergies or a cold or u. Allergies don’t usually involve fever, and the symptoms should appear immediately upon exposure of a trigger element. A u/cold may have a later onset of symptoms and should last for a shorter duration of time, whereas allergy symptoms can last much longer.

When the bare trees of winter come back to life in the spring and summer, many of those seasonal allergies come back to life as well. In the fall, however, the triggers don’t appear as obvious.

“Fall allergies are mostly due to blooming weed, such as ragweed,” Koder said. “Rather than the trees and grasses, which cause the spring and summer allergies.”

Ragweeds grow all over the United States, and according to the AAFA, after midsummer when the nights last longer, ragweed owers mature and release pollen. Warmth, humidity and wind or breezes also help with the release. The ragweed allergy, or also known as “hay fever” is what typically causes the itchy eyes, running nose and sneezing symptoms. The AAFA reports that of the patients who are allergic to pollen-producing plants, 75 percent of them are allergic to ragweed.

Other elements that produce fall allergies might be in places you least expect it. Outdoor pollen and triggers aren’t the only concerns, going indoors after the months of summer might have some effects as well.

“In addition to ragweed, fall weather and wet leaves outside increases mold exposure,” he said. “Students and teachers returning to school in the fall increases exposure to the dust and mold in school buildings that had been dormant for the summer.”

Mold and mildew, which are fungi, release spores that cause many of the allergic symptoms. They grow in damp areas like the kitchen, bathroom or basement.

Koder said there are speci c kinds of testing to diagnose if a patient is allergic or not.

“Fall allergies are con rmed with allergy testing, either by skin testing or a blood test,” Koder said.

Skin tests use allergens, which are substances that provoke an allergic response, to place underneath the skin to determine which substances the patient is sensitive to. A raised, red bump will appear in the target area of that speci c allergen.

Koder said that many allergies can be treated with easily-accessible medications.

“Fall allergies can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Claritin or Allegra or Zyrtec, to dry up the runny nose and sneezing,” he said.

“Decongestants, such as Sudafed, [can also be used] to open up a congested nose.”

If the problems are concerning enough to see a physician, prescribed treatments are also available.

“If seen by doctor, there are prescription nasal sprays, usually a steroid, such as Flonase or Nasonex, to reduce the in ammation in your nose,” he continued. “There is also a prescription antihistamine eyedrops to help the itching, watery eyes.”

“Patients who remain symptomatic despite aggressive medical treatment can be a candidate for allergy shots when testing con rms positive allergies,” he said.

To avoid the watery eyes, running nose, itchy throat and non-stop sneezing symptoms, Koder said there are an array of tips to keep healthy during the seasonal allergies of fall.

“Tips to control allergy symptoms include staying indoors with windows and doors closed, especially in the morning when pollen counts are highest; wear a mask when raking leaves or working in a poorly ventilated areas, such as a garage, basement or attic where mold counts will be higher; use a [high-ef ciency particulate air] lter on your heating and cooling system; and consider having your heating and cooling system duct work cleaned professionally if old or has not been in use for some time,” he said.

– Katie Ho