Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments

1. Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments Sneezing, congestion, coughing, and wheezing are definitely not on your Holiday wish list, but somehow, they always seem to be delivered just in time for the seasonal holidays. The crisp air and falling temperatures can also bring a season filled with fall allergy symptoms, sinusitis, bronchitis and flares of asthma. So to be ahead of the game, take measures to protect yourself from these common fall and winter ailments.

2. Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments What Are Fall Allergies? Fall allergies are caused by common environmental allergens in the air at that time of year such as ragweed pollen and mold spores. Ragweed pollen is by far the most common cause of fall allergies and the pesky plant will pollinate from September through the end of October. Fallen leaves along with wetness from rain will produce mold exposure. There may be a general musty odor to the air. Some allergy sufferers can also react to non-allergic irritant triggers in the fall such as the change in humidity and barometric pressure during Autumn. Symptoms of fall allergies commonly include: nasal congestion, sneezing fits, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sinus pressure, headaches, cough, and inability to breath comfortably.

3. Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments What Can I Do to Avoid Fall Allergies ? There are a few things you can do to reduce symptoms and avoid contact with fall allergens altogether. By staying indoors more often, you can avoid ragweed and other respiratory irritants that may be floating through the air. However, remember that dust mites and mold can still gather indoors too. Try not to keep too many plants in the house which may gather moldy leaves. Keep your air as clean as possible by checking and replacing filters often. Check online pollen count reports in order to get a forecast of the week’s air quality, making it easier for you to plan your outdoor excursions. Allergy medications such as OTC antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can be helpful for both allergic and irritant types of triggers. Its important to stay on top of your allergy medications and start them in early August to stay ahead, before ragweed comes out and mold spores spread.

4. Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments What is Sinusitis? Sinusitis is the swelling of the sinuses from infection or the environment. Sinuses are small air pockets found behind your forehead and cheek bones or on either side of the nose. Sinusitis can be caused by an infection with viruses, bacteria, and mold or from environmental allergens. When your sinuses get blocked from the swelling, you may develop symptoms of a stuffy nose, headache, and drainage of green to yellow colored mucus. This could also trigger a cough. Low grade fever and tooth pain are less common.

5. Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments What Can I Do? Good hand washing is very important in the winter time to stop the spread of germs that trigger asthma, and ones that can lead to bronchitis or sinusitis. If you have indoor allergies and/or asthma make sure you are are using a preventative maintenance medication that has been prescribed by your doctor. Salt water sinus irrigations can be helpful during this time as well, as they will flush out all the allergens and microbes. If the asthma gets worse be sure to visit your doctor to change your medication for better control

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