After a busy Summer, most of us welcome the Fall for its bright colors and tranquility.  For allergy patients, however, the late Summer and Fall is often a very uncomfortable time of year.
Ragweed begins to pollinate in August. Often called “hayfever”, the symptome are classic and include itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion and sneezing. Wheezing due to asthma may appear or worsen.
Molds are plant-like organisms which multiply by releasing spores into the air. Molds thrive in the Fall when there is an abundance of decaying vegetation such as fallen leaves. Those molds thought to be most important for causing symptoms include Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. Mold allergies may lead to sinustis and bronchitis.
Pollens and molds to which you may be allergic can be readily identified by a simple and painless skin test performed in the office by an allergist. An accurate diagnosis will help to prevent you from making unnecessary changes to your home or lifestyle and will ensure that you take the proper medication.
At home you will be more comfortable during the allergy season if you keep your windows closed and air conditioning on. Smoking should be discontinued and must not be allowed in the home of any child with asthma.
There are a variety of medications available for the treatment of allergies. Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec) are available without a prescription and are preferable to those which may cause drowsiness (e.g. Benadryl). This is especially important for school-age children and while driving a car.  Steroid nasal sprays are “cortisone-like” medications available without a prescription and are very effective for the  treatment of more severe nasal symptoms.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) begun several months prior to the season will significantly reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms and often make outdoor activities more enjoyable.