Fall means back-to-school, football season, changing leaves—and for many people, another round of seasonal allergies.
No matter the season, allergy symptoms are the same: a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes and nose.
“In the fall, pollen from weeds, ragweed in particular, which is present in every U.S. state, causes allergies, along with mold spores,” says UNC Health allergist and immunologist Sofija D. Volertas, MD. “In the spring, allergies are caused by tree pollen, and summer allergies are caused by grass pollen.”
Changes in weather patterns are causing changes to traditional allergy seasons, Dr. Volertas says. Grass pollen is lasting longer into the fall, and ragweed season is starting earlier and lasting longer.
Fall allergies typically last until the first frost, but you don’t have to endure months of misery while you wait. Here are some tips for finding relief.
Tip: Start your allergy meds before the symptoms start.
Ideally, you’ll start your allergy medications when your kids go back to school or around Labor Day, Dr. Volertas says. (If those milestones have passed, start now.) You’ll use the same medications you use for spring or summer allergies.
“A nasal steroid spray will take one to two weeks to kick in. Getting that treatment actually in the nose is the most effective,” she says.
Nasal steroid sprays, like fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort), which can be used daily, treat the inflammation caused by the allergen, reducing and stopping symptoms before they start.
Nasal antihistamine sprays, like azelastine (Astepro), start working right away, but are less effective than nasal steroid sprays. However, they work right at the source of your symptoms (your nose).
Oral antihistamines (pills), such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or fexofenadine (Allegra), have to go through your whole body, so they are the least effective options, but they still can decrease some of the itching and sneezing symptoms.
Talk to your allergist if these medications aren’t reducing your symptoms; you may be a candidate for allergy shots or immunotherapy.
Tip: Don’t bring pollen inside.
Take steps to keep pollen out of your home.
“Even in the beautiful fall weather, it’s important to keep your windows closed, especially at night,” Dr. Volertas says. “Weed pollen is highest in the early morning, so don’t start the day with that pollen getting in.”
That may mean adjusting when you exercise or spend time outside. If you’re an early morning walker or runner, try to move your activity to the evenings, when counts are lower.
“Pollen gets on your clothes and shoes, so change your clothes if you’ve been outside,” Dr. Volertas says. “Wear a hat or sunglasses so it’s not getting in your hair or eyes. Shower at night, so any pollen that has collected during the day can be washed off.”
Remember that your pets bring in pollen on their fur and feet, so wipe them down after they’ve been outdoors.
Tip: Watch for asthma flares.
If you or your child has asthma in addition to allergies, be aware that September is a particularly challenging time.
“September usually has a peak of asthma flares,” Dr. Volertas says. “Children go back to school and have new exposures to different infections just as fall allergies start.”
This overload of asthma triggers—respiratory infections, exposure to pollen or mold while playing outside, the stress of going back to school—can be tough, so talk to your doctor about special steps to take to best control your allergy symptoms and your asthma.
Tip: Remember it’s cold and flu season, too.
Don’t assume that every runny nose is because of a fall allergy. You could also have a cold, the flu or COVID-19, and in those instances, it’s important to take steps so that you don’t pass the virus to others.
“Allergies don’t cause a fever, but infections do,” Dr. Volertas says.
Even if you don’t have a fever, you probably know if you’ve had allergies before. If you don’t have a history of allergies, then that sneezing and runny nose is more likely a respiratory infection. If you continue to struggle with symptoms throughout the fall, ask your doctor about allergy testing.
Seasonal allergies making you miserable? Talk to your doctor. If you need a doctor, find one near you.