Even though September is coming to a close and the temperatures are starting to cool, we are still in the midst of allergy season. For many, this time of year wreaks havoc on our noses and comes with a great deal of discomfort and irritation. Ragweed, mold spores, and other weed pollens are out in full force, making for an extremely unpleasant fall for a lot of people. While the leaves are starting to turn and people are digging out their sweaters, jackets, and boots from the back of their closets – you are a congested, sneezing disaster. If this sounds like you and fall is not a season to look forward to, but instead one you dread, be sure to take the below listed steps into consideration to avoid suffering this year.
There are numerous things you can do to help yourself have a more enjoyable fall, from environmental fixes and over-the-counter medications to solutions from your allergy services clinic in Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth. Here are a handful of tips to get you through this time of year, without all the discomfort, irritation, and sneezing.
Tip #1: Don’t Let Outdoor Air Inside.
While it can be extremely tempting to open the windows on a nice fall day and let some fresh air in, this will not help your allergies if you are sensitive to outdoor allergens. Having your windows open basically turns indoor air into outdoor air, so if you are allergic to ragweed, resist the urge and keep your windows sealed tight. If you are intensely allergic to outdoor allergens, it may be a good idea to look into having air conditioning and HEPA filtration installed in your home. Air conditioning can actually cut indoor pollen counts by 90%.
Tip #2. Keep Your Nose Clean.
Using a traditional neti pot or the more modern bulb syringes to rinse your nasal passages of allergens on a regular basis is another way to help relieve congestion. Regardless of your preferred method, nasal irrigation with saline solution is imperative to keeping your nasal passages clear and allergen-free. Also, rinse off after outdoor exposure and leave outdoor clothes in the laundry.
Tip #3. You Don’t Have to Suffer.
Remember, you don’t have to suffer through fall with nasty allergies. Many people who have symptoms of allergies simply move forward with their daily activities, all the while in misery. If your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life or disrupting your sleep, they should not be ignored. If you are unsure as to what triggers your allergies, contact an allergy services clinic in Arlington, Dallas or Fort Worth. Here at Central Park, our knowledgeable specialists will run tests to pinpoint causes and come up with an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Tip #4. Medication is Your Friend.
Remember that medications such as over-the-counter antihistamines or topical steroids such as Nasacort, are not only the first line of treatment, but they can do wonders. However, be sure to use antihistamines that are non-drowsy. If these medications are not providing you with any relief, an allergy doctor from our clinic will be able to help you explore prescription options. Allergy drops and allergy shots are yet another option that many people have found quite effective.
Just because it’s allergy season doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Follow the above tips and contact your ENT doctor in Arlington, Dallas or Fort Worth for more information on what you can do to make fall an enjoyable, allergy-free season this year.