If you’re sneezing your way through September in Cleveland, you’re definitely not alone. Fall can bring cooler temperatures, football games and changing leaves, but it can also bring a major spike in allergy symptoms. For many people, ragweed pollen is the culprit.
A little sneezing or a runny nose may be manageable, but severe fall allergies can leave you congested, exhausted and feeling like you’re fighting off a cold that never seems to go away. If over-the-counter medications aren’t giving you enough relief, AFC Cleveland can help you get your symptoms under control.
Why Are Fall Allergies So Bad?
Ragweed is one of the most common causes of fall seasonal allergies. Even though the plant itself may be easy to overlook, its pollen can travel through the air and trigger symptoms in people who are sensitive to it.
Ragweed season can overlap with other fall allergens, including mold from damp leaves and outdoor debris. Spending more time outside for yard work, hiking, sporting events or other fall activities can increase your exposure. For some people, that exposure can lead to symptoms that are difficult to ignore.
What Do Severe Fall Allergies Feel Like?
Seasonal allergies can look a lot like a cold, but there are some common clues that point toward allergies. One difference is that allergies typically don’t cause a fever. Allergy symptoms may also continue as long as you’re exposed to the trigger, rather than gradually improving like many viral infections.
You may experience:
- Frequent sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Scratchy throat
- Sinus pressure
- Coughing
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
When Should You Consider Urgent Care?
You don’t necessarily need medical attention every time your allergies flare up. However, if your symptoms are severe, persistent or interfering with your day-to-day life, it may be time to get checked out. AFC Cleveland can be especially helpful when:
- Your symptoms aren’t improving with your usual allergy medications.
- You’re dealing with significant sinus pressure or congestion.
- Your cough is becoming persistent or bothersome.
- You’re unsure whether you’re experiencing allergies, a cold or another respiratory illness.
- Allergy symptoms are interfering with sleep, work, school or normal activities.
- You have a history of allergies or asthma and your symptoms seem more difficult to manage than usual.
Getting evaluated can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
How Can You Get Some Relief at Home?
While you’re waiting for your symptoms to settle down, a few simple habits can help reduce your exposure to allergens. Try keeping windows closed during high-pollen periods, showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors and washing your face or hair before bed. Regularly cleaning your home can also help remove pollen that makes its way indoors.
If you take an over-the-counter allergy medication, use it according to the label directions. If you’re unsure which option is appropriate for you, a health care provider can help. And don’t forget about hydration. Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep mucus thinner and may make congestion and postnasal drip easier to manage.
Don’t Let Ragweed Season Ruin Your Fall
Fall allergies don’t have to keep you indoors all season. If sneezing, congestion, sinus pressure or other symptoms are making it hard to enjoy your normal routine, AFC Cleveland can help. Our AFC providers can evaluate your symptoms, determine whether allergies may be the cause and recommend treatment based on what you’re experiencing. If your symptoms are severe or you’re having trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care. This fall, don’t just assume you have to live with miserable allergy symptoms. If ragweed season has you feeling worse than usual, getting checked out can be a good first step toward feeling like yourself again.