Fall allergies are tricky, coming around at the same time as cold and flu season. As the weather changes, you may have nasal congestion, runny nose, and a cough and think you are catching a cold. Sometimes, this can be seasonal allergies!

While we often think of Spring as allergy season, Fall is another season of tree pollens and, in warm Southern California, grasses and weeds too. With moisture and some humidity, molds can also become a problem. Here are a few tips for preventing fall allergy symptoms.

Close the windows, especially when you are sleeping, so that pollen does not constantly drift into your home. Wash your face and consider changing your clothes after spending a long time outdoors. This prevents pollens from sticking to you the rest of the day. Wear glassess or sunglasses when outdoors, and consider wearing a mask when doing work in the garden. If you are sensitive to molds, avoid compost piles or raking fall leaves. If you need to do so, then wear a mask. Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray as needed, this keeps pollen from sticking to your nasal passages.

Check your local pollen counts so that you can be prepared for the day. This can be done at our website or pollen.com (we should have link to pollen.com on our website).

If you are having frequent nasal allergy symptoms, consider allergy medications. You may also want to consider allergy shots or allergy drops.

Visit our office for an allergy evaluation to find out to what you are allergic. Our allergists can help you find a treatment that is right for you!