As fall begins and the leaves change color, many people expect their allergies to improve with the end-of-summer blooms. However, some still find themselves sneezing and sniffling, even as the flowers fade. Before discarding your tissue box, it’s important to recognize potential fall allergy triggers.

Is It Allergies?

Distinguishing between allergies and other illnesses like colds or flu can be difficult in the fall, as both are common. Typical allergy symptoms include:

• Cough from postnasal drip
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Itchy nose or throat
• Nasal congestion, sneezing and stuffy or runny nose

These symptoms can overlap with those of a cold or flu. However, a fever, chills, or upset stomach usually signals something more than allergies. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor for guidance on your symptoms and treatment.

Allergy symptoms are your body’s immune response to irritants such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. When exposed to these triggers, your body releases chemicals like histamines, which cause symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, rashes, coughing, or wheezing. While springtime allergies are well-known, fall also brings its own set of triggers, especially ragweed and molds.

Treating Fall Allergies

Just like with any allergy, the best way to try to prevent issues is to try to stay away from the things you’re allergic to. But that can be difficult when you’re allergic to mold — or pollen, which blows in the air and settles on everything in its path. Here are a few tips to reduce exposure or avoid the allergens.

• Close your windows. While fall days may seem like the perfect time to let in some fresh air, open windows welcome pollen. In the fall, when your allergies are high, use your home’s air conditioner or heat instead, if possible (depending on the temperature outside).
• Wash your hands and face. Who doesn’t love autumnal activities like apple-picking, hiking or trick-or-treating? But as fun as they are, they all expose you to pollen. After you’ve spent time outdoors, take care to wash your hands and face when you return indoors, which will help get rid of lingering pollen.
• Change your clothes. It’s not just your skin: Pollen even settles on your clothes. In addition to washing yourself off, you may consider changing into an outfit untainted by pollen, which will keep the sneezy stuff further from you.
• Delegate yardwork. Somebody’s got to mow the lawn — but, if at all possible, avoid outdoor chores that kick up allergens, like pulling up weeds and raking leaves.

While these strategies can help reduce pollen exposure, it’s difficult to avoid it entirely. Many seasonal allergy symptoms can be managed at home with over-the-counter treatments like nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. It’s best to take allergy medication before symptoms become severe, especially on days with high pollen counts, which can be tracked through weather websites or local news.

If over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough, consider scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Your doctor can review your history of symptoms and may recommend allergy testing. Based on the results, different medications or treatments might be suggested, depending on how your body reacts to specific allergens. Once the first hard frost of the year hits, it’s likely that mold and pollen allergy symptoms will improve as well.

By taking precautions and seeking appropriate treatment, you can better manage your fall allergies and reduce their impact on your daily life.

Nathaniel Hare, M.D., sees patients at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus, 1705 Warren Ave., Williamsport. To make an appointment with Dr. Hare, call 570-320-7070. For more information about UPMC Allergy and Immunology services in northcentral Pa., go to UPMC.com/AllergyNCPA.