Although many people often think that seasonal allergies are only bad in the spring, autumn can be just as bad, or worse, when ragweed and mold counts are high. Other common triggers for fall allergies include cedar elm and other weeds and flowers.
Symptoms of fall allergies are just like those caused by other types of seasonal allergies, and can include a:
- runny nose
- congestion
- itchy and watery eyes
- itchy or scratchy throat because of postnasal drip
- cough, which is often worse at night and in the morning
One of the biggest problems with fall allergies, is that typical allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough, are often confused with having an infection, such as a cold or sinus infection.
Unlike an infection, people with allergies usually do not have fever or muscle aches. Also, the runny nose from a cold can start out clear, but it then often turns yellow and green. And allergy symptoms usually linger through the whole season, while cold symptoms generally go away in a week or two.
Treatment of fall allergies can include taking an antihistamine (like Allergra, Claritin, Clarinex, Zytec, etc.) and/or a nasal steroid (like Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort AQ, Rhinocort Aqua, etc.).
It can also help to avoid mold and ragweed pollen by monitoring your local pollen counts and staying indoors as much as possible on days when pollen counts are high. Also, avoid going outdoors in the early morning, when pollens are being released into the air. And keep windows at home and in the car shut to decrease your child's exposure to things that might trigger his allergies.
See our allergy treatment guide for more information.
