Tips for fall allergy sufferers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Fall is here! That means allergy season is in full swing across the Commonwealth and many are heading outdoors to celebrate with some fall fun.

“This time of year, people who are allergic to both weed pollen and mold will notice symptoms after spending a lot of time outside,” Dr. William Greisner of Bluegrass Allergy Care.

The CDC reports that one in four adults report having a seasonal allergy. While it’s easy to spot pollen in spring when plants are blooming, fall brings with it, according to Dr. Greisner has his own pollen problems.

“In the fall, the weeds are just not as noticeable, so people forget that they pollinate too – so that’s our weed pollen season, late summer, until we get the devastating frost,” said Dr. Greisner.

And while falling leaves might look nice, combining them with rain could give us even more reasons to sneeze.

“The big problem with falling leaves is that they get wet first. Right now it’s dry, there’s not a lot of mold out there, but once it rains and the leaves come out, you’ll see a lot of mold in the air,” Dr. Greisner.

Allergy symptoms can vary, but often manifest as stuffy nose, runny nose, discharge in the throat, or even itchy, watery eyes. Dr. Greisner says the best way to avoid getting the sniffles during all your time outdoors is to be proactive.

“The best thing you can do is be prepared. Take the oral antihistamine before going on the hayride or before playing in the leaves. Take a steroid nasal spray throughout the season,” said Dr. Greisner.

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