Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter Ailments

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Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter
Ailments
Sneezing, congestion, coughing, and wheezing are
definitely not on your Holiday wish list, but
somehow, they always seem to be delivered just in
time for the seasonal holidays. The crisp air and
falling temperatures can also bring a season
filled with fall allergy symptoms, sinusitis,
bronchitis and flares of asthma.
So to be ahead of the game, take measures to
protect yourself from these common fall and
winter ailments.
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Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter
Ailments
What Are Fall Allergies? Fall allergies are
caused by common environmental allergens in the
air at that time of year such as ragweed pollen
and mold spores. Ragweed pollen is by far the
most common cause of fall allergies and the pesky
plant will pollinate from September through the
end of October. Fallen leaves along with wetness
from rain will produce mold exposure. There may
be a general musty odor to the air.
Some allergy sufferers can also react to
non-allergic irritant triggers in the fall such
as the change in humidity and barometric pressure
during Autumn. Symptoms of fall allergies
commonly include nasal congestion, sneezing
fits, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sinus
pressure, headaches, cough, and inability to
breath comfortably.
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Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter
Ailments
What Can I Do to Avoid Fall Allergies ? There
are a few things you can do to reduce symptoms
and avoid contact with fall allergens altogether.
By staying indoors more often, you can avoid
ragweed and other respiratory irritants that may
be floating through the air. However, remember
that dust mites and mold can still gather indoors
too. Try not to keep too many plants in the house
which may gather moldy leaves. Keep your air as
clean as possible by checking and replacing
filters often. Check online pollen count reports
in order to get a forecast of the weeks air
quality, making it easier for you to plan your
outdoor excursions. Allergy medications such as
OTC antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can
be helpful for both allergic and irritant types
of triggers. Its important to stay on top of your
allergy medications and start them in early
August to stay ahead, before ragweed comes out
and mold spores spread.
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Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter
Ailments
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the swelling of the sinuses from
infection or the environment. Sinuses are small
air pockets found behind your forehead and cheek
bones or on either side of the nose.
Sinusitis can be caused by an infection with
viruses, bacteria, and mold or from environmental
allergens. When your sinuses get blocked from
the swelling, you may develop symptoms of a
stuffy nose, headache, and drainage of green to
yellow colored mucus. This could also trigger a
cough. Low grade fever and tooth pain are less
common.
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Fighting off Fall Allergies and Common Winter
Ailments
What Can I Do?
Good hand washing is very important in the winter
time to stop the spread of germs that trigger
asthma, and ones that can lead to bronchitis or
sinusitis. If you have indoor allergies and/or
asthma make sure you are are using a preventative
maintenance medication that has been prescribed
by your doctor. Salt water sinus irrigations can
be helpful during this time as well, as they will
flush out all the allergens and microbes. If the
asthma gets worse be sure to visit your doctor to
change your medication for better control
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Thank You