Do you dread the beautiful Fall season because of allergies? Well, you are not alone. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans suffer from allergies. If just one parent has allergies the chance of your having allergies is 1 in 3. If both parents have allergies, the ratio goes to 7 in 10 that you will also have allergies. This does not necessarily, mean you will have the same exact allergies, which is why you should consult your doctor to know which allergies you have. The most common Fall allergens are weeds, molds, and pollens.

They start in mid-August and last through the end of November. These allergens increase during harvest time because they become airborne and can travel great distances in the wind.

Allergies occur when our bodies take in a foreign substance causing our immune system to overreact and get rid of that substance. Most times this results in mild, but very annoying reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing. The other problem with those “mild” symptoms, are that they seem very much like a cold or sinus infection, which is often mistreated. So, if these symptoms are not accompanied by fever or muscle aches then, you are maybe having an allergic reaction. More severe reactions range from rashes and hives to inability to breathe and possibly death. Unfortunately there is no cure for allergies, but there are ways to manage them.

Once you know exactly what you are allergic to, you may be able to prevent or treat flare-ups more effectively. In this particular article we will address strategies to prevent and treat Fall or seasonal allergies.

Prevention

These tips can be very efficient, if maintained, in helping to control common allergens, such as dust mites, mold, animal dander and pollens.

• Get rid of dust collectors, such as heavy drapes, upholstered furniture and even stuffed animals.
• Use airtight, allergy proof plastic covers for all mattresses, pillows, and box springs.
• Wash ALL bedding and stuffed animals in hot water every 7-14 days.
• If pets are in the house, bathe them once a week to remove surface allergens and reduce dander.
• Avoid mold spores by keeping away from damp basements or water-damaged areas. If you must go into these areas, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
• Remove carpeting where possible.
• Vacuum frequently and wear a mask covering nose and mouth to avoid inhaling what the vacuum picks up and sometimes comes out.
• Clean ceiling fan blades regularly.
• Keep indoor humidity low, since mold and dust mites increase in high humidity.

Treatment
There are many allergy treatments available. Including prescription and over-the-counter allergy medicines from a pharmacy, immunotherapy or allergy shots, as well as alternative therapies.

Allergy Shots: If your allergies are so bad that they interfere with your daily activities and over-the- counter medicines aren’t working, then you may want to consider immunotherapy or allergy shots. This process can be time consuming, but it is a great way to manage your allergies. Allergy shots contain the dose amounts of allergens and over time your body will become less sensitive to the allergen. This process does take some time and commitment to be fully effective, usually four to six months, and then monthly maintenance, but it is the only treatment to date that can have a lasting effect, even after the treatment has been stopped.

Alternative therapies to treat allergies are not uncommon. Many medical and scientific experts believe some remedies may be worth a try. Nearly 40% of Americans try some form of alternative medicine/treatment. Some of these treatments could consist of one or more of these to help alleviate their symptoms:

• Acupuncture/Acupressure
• Chiropractic spinal manipulation
• Massage
• Hypnotherapy
• Diet, exercise, yoga, lifestyle changes
• Immune-Boosting Herbs & Vitamin Supplements
• Netty-Pot or Saline Nasal Flush

If you are considering seeking an alternative form of medicine, please speak with your physician, so you can make an informed decision about your health. Also check with your healthcare insurance provider to see what will and will not be covered by your insurance plan.

There are a few major medications used to treat allergies. Don’t forget that your pharmacist is a ready resource to answer your questions about allergies. Some medications you will need a prescription and some are available over-the-counter. Antihistamines prevent the effects of histamine. Examples of prescription antihistamines are Clarinex, Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec. Decongestants are used to reduce the nasal congestion. Examples of decongestants are Allegra D, Sudafed or Benadryl. Nasal Corticosteroids are usually a spray or topical cream that are used to reduce the swelling and mucus production. Flonase and Nasonex are examples of nasal corticosteroids. Be very careful when using a nasal spray, follow directions precisely; if not, it could actually make things worse. Only use these sprays in emergency situation or for short-term use (3 days).