Fall allergies can take hold of your life. Here are some things you can do to make sure that doesn’t happen.


Reduce your exposure

•Avoid being outdoors in the morning between 5-10 a.m. when pollen levels are at their highest.

•Another good time to go outdoors is immediately after a rainfall. Pollen disperses more slowly after a rainfall and on cloudy or windless days.

•Stay away from fields or areas where ragweed or fall-blooming weeds grow.

• Keep windows shut in both your house and car.

• Shower and change after being outside to remove allergens that tend to stick to hair and clothes.

•Limit exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke and air pollution, which may aggravate symptoms.

•Get someone else to rake the leaves.

•If hypersensitive, consider wearing a face mask outdoors.

•Limit houseplants as they can increase exposure to molds.

•Remove floral arrangements with dried weeds or grasses.

•Monitor pollen levels for your area through the National Allergy Bureau. Their toll-free information line is 800-9POLLEN.

Take medication

•Start medication 10-14 days before symptoms appear.

•Nasal steroids, antihistamines and decongestants are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

•Consider immunotherapy, or “allergy shots,” where allergen extracts are injected in small doses to reduce sensitivity.

•Use a Neti Pot. The simple remedy involves sticking the spout of a small ceramic pot, called a Neti Pot, up each nostril to pour warm saline solution through the sinus passages. Regular use helps clean the sinuses, clear the head of congestion during allergy season, and reduce incidence of colds and sinus infections.


Avoid foods that may worsen allergies

•Exposure to ragweed causes some individuals to experience oral allergy syndrome, a tingling, swelling or itchiness of the mouth, throat and tongue after eating certain foods.

•Foods to be wary of include banana, cucumber, watermelon, cantaloupe, sunflower seeds, chamomile tea and Echinacea.