It’s no secret that fall is a beautiful time of year. The colors and cool temperatures are always a sight for sore eyes, but the allergy symptoms that many experience during this season can be a large drawback.

If you suffer from allergies in the fall, our team at AFC Urgent Care Southcenter provides some helpful information on how you can limit those symptoms below, so keep reading!

Is It Possible to Avoid Fall Allergies?

Most likely, no. Allergy symptoms will be something that you deal with throughout your life, unless you have had something like a series of allergy shots or sinus surgery.

Even though allergies will likely always be around, it is definitely possible to limit the severity of your symptoms. We’ve listed some ways in which you can do so below.

Ways to Battle Seasonal Allergies

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear lingering allergens and ragweed from the air.
• Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse allergens from your skin and hair.
• Start taking allergy medications, such as OTC antihistamines or decongestants, before your symptoms start.
• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
• Use the air conditioning in your home and car instead of opening the windows.
• Wear a mask if you do outside chores to prevent yourself from breathing in pollen, ragweed and other allergens.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall, as it usually affects most people through October and into the beginning weeks of November. In fact, about 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed.

When you inhale airborne allergens like pollen or ragweed, your body produces histamines to protect your immune and respiratory systems, which causes inflammation and, in turn, causes other symptoms. If allergy symptoms during the fall are a new occurrence for you, we’ve listed some common symptoms of fall allergies below to help you know what you’re dealing with.

Common Fall Allergy Symptoms

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes

Remember, our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team is here to provide the help you need! Don’t hesitate to visit us today.