Summer fun is soon going to change to misery of Fall for millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. If you notice in the fall that you’re sneezing more, your eyes are tearing up and you’re overusing the Kleenex tissue, you’re not alone. You likely are one of the million Americans who suffer from seasonal rhinitis and asthma, which is triggered by sagebrush. Sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, nose and throat, or worsening of asthma symptoms are common in people with poorly managed asthma and allergies. Sagebrush allergy might be something you’re dealing with. Sagebrush flowers usually from Mid-August to late September generating pollen in North-western US. The pollen are lightweight and float easily through the air. Sagebrush produces large amounts of pollen. Other weeds, like ragweed, yellow dock, Russian thistle, Kochia, Lamb quarters etc. are also present during this time of the year. The following tips can help allergy and asthma sufferers reduce their exposure to sagebrush and other weed pollens:
- Proper diagnosis is the first step in managing your symptoms.
- Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen and spores from accumulating into your home.
- Try to avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen hours are usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the latest pollen count either at our website or facebook page.
- Close your car windows while traveling.
- Take vacations to the beach or sea for they have less pollen compared to other places.
- Take a shower after outdoor activity and before sleeping- this will get rid of the pollen collected on your skin and hair.
- Don’t hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollens may stick to them.
Try over-the-counter medications and if they are not working or are making you sleepy, you must see a board certified allergist/immunologist for a personalized plan of care to help you feel better. An allergist/immunologist will take history, do physical exam and perform allergy testing to determine exactly what you are and are not allergic to. They will provide medications for immediate relief plus lifestyle modifications to control your allergies and asthma better. Your allergist/immunologist may also recommend allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) treatment, if felt appropriate. Allergy shots or injections is a long term treatment all-natural approach that can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms by building your own immunity with reduced or no need for medications in future. The Allergy Group wishes you a wonderful fall season!!