The crisp, cool air of fall is such a welcome season for many, but for others, it brings about some awful allergies. With the beautiful colors and the changing of the leaves, people with fall allergies want so desperately to enjoy this picturesque season, so what can they do to find allergy relief?

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Clemson offers some helpful answers.

What Exactly Are Allergies?

A lot of us have them or at least know people that have them, but what are they? Those of us who suffer from allergies have overactive immune systems that release chemicals like histamine to fight normally harmless particles called allergens. Histamines trigger the body to fight off allergens, which causes inflammation of the nose, throat, eyes and face.

Most allergies are caused by allergens floating in the air we breathe and can bring about some downright awful symptoms.

Allergy Symptoms

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and throat
• Sinus pressure

Why Does the Fall Make Allergies Worse?

The biggest reason as to why your allergies are worse in the fall is ragweed. Even if you are an avid gardener and make sure your lawn/garden is weed-free, it doesn’t really matter. Fall winds can blow lightweight pollens long distances, which is bad news for those of us that are prone to allergies.

Weeds pollinate for miles, and on windy days you can faintly see a lot more pollen floating in the air. If you suffer from fall allergies, a good precaution to take is to check the pollen count in your area when planning outdoor activities.

Ways to Treat Allergies

• Use an over-the-counter nasal spray.
• Wear a mask when raking leaves, mowing or gardening.
• Avoid or reduce exposure to weeds, trees, grasses, molds or other allergens.
• Purchase an air dehumidifier to lessen the effects of pollen that could get into your home.
• Get allergy shots if recommended by a doctor.

Are fall allergies getting you down? Visit AFC Urgent Care Clemson to get the treatment you need!