Tips for Surviving Fall Allergies

Health, Home & Family
on November 10, 2014
Fall Allergies
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These tips will help you get through the season with a clear head.

Close the windows. If you are sensitive to outdoor allergens such as ragweed pollen and moldy leaves, having the windows open basically turns indoor air into outdoor air.

Keep the AC on as long as you can stand it. Air conditioning can cut indoor pollen counts by 90 percent or more.

Rinse and repeat. Irrigating your nasal passages with saline solution rinses the allergens away and helps relieve congestion.

Medicate as needed. Over-the-counter antihistamines are the first line of treatment. Be sure to use non-drowsy formulas. For more severe cases, a doctor can help you explore prescription options.

Give your house a fall cleaning. To protect yourself from indoor allergens, keep the house as clean as pos- sible, vacuum furniture and carpets frequently and don’t allow pets on furniture.

David Lang, MD, director of the Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Cleveland Clinic