As the leaves begin to change, many people brace themselves for the onset of fall seasonal allergies. Now, more and more people are suffering from fall allergy symptoms, and for a longer period of time, because allergies are getting worse. This is especially true in Charlotte, where ragweed allergens run rampant. Misconceptions about these seasonal sniffles can lead to ineffective treatments and unnecessary suffering.
Tryon Medical Partners internal medicine specialist PA Evans shares some common myths about fall allergies and provides expert insights to help you breathe easier this autumn.
Myth #1: Fall allergy symptoms are obvious
Allergies are such a common problem that most people think they can recognize fall allergy symptoms without a second guess. However, PA Evans points out that fall allergy symptoms can often mimic the symptoms of a bacterial or viral infection.
PA Evans shares that typical fall allergy symptoms are:
- Clear runny nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Watery or red eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drainage
- A dry cough
“People often come in with sinus concerns, and they ask if it is bacteria, a virus, or allergies,” PA Evans shares. “It can sometimes be very difficult to tell based on symptoms alone. Often patients think their red eyes mean they have pink eye, but allergies can also cause redness in the eyes.”
PA Evans provides a helpful rule of thumb:
- If you have a runny nose for longer than a couple of weeks, it’s likely allergies.
- If you have full-body symptoms like a fever and fatigue, it’s more likely to be a bacterial or viral infection. If you’re only sick for a few days, it’s more likely to be a virus. If symptoms last weeks, it’s more likely to be bacteria.
“I often hear from patients that they have an infection because their mucus is not clear,” PA Evans notes. “However, white and yellow mucus can be normal. It’s important to see your clinician just to be sure.”
Myth #2: Allergy medications are straightforward to use and act quickly
PA Evans emphasizes that misconceptions around allergy medications are incredibly common. She shares the following myths as especially pernicious:
- Myth: It’s best to inhale powerfully when taking allergy nasal sprays. Allergy nasal sprays often lack clear directions, so they may be used incorrectly. People often think you need to forcefully inhale to spread the medication. However, a gentle inhale is all you need and will, in fact, be better.
- Myth: If allergy medication doesn’t work after one day, it will never work. People will try a new allergy medication and give up taking it if it doesn’t make a difference within a day. However, many allergy medications need three to five days to clear out the histamines.
- Myth: Diphenhydramine (often known as Benadryl) works well because it makes people drowsy. People often appreciate diphenhydramine’s effects because they can feel them and notice the drowsiness. However, there are other allergy medications out there without any side effects like drowsiness that work even better.
- Myth: No one should be taking allergy medications every day. While there are some people who should avoid taking allergy medications every day (such as those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with liver or kidney disease), it’s entirely safe for most people to take them every day. People with asthma should be taking them every day.
Myth #3: If you take allergy medication, there’s nothing else you can do
While allergy medication is a critical tool to relieve fall seasonal allergies, you can make some lifestyle changes to ease symptoms as well.
For instance, PA Evans recommends patients:
Wash your body, hair, and pillow case often.
Many people are accidentally bringing ragweed allergens and others into their home because they don’t wash off the allergens in their hair and on their clothes.
“It’s consistently surprising to people, but bathing every day really does alleviate some fall allergy symptoms,” PA Evans says. “Washing clothes, sheets, and towels consistently should also really help.”
Incorporate local honey into your diet.
Although it sounds like an old wives’ tale, incorporating some local honey into your everyday eating, especially before autumn allergies begin, can help to lessen the intensity of fall allergy symptoms.
Consider allergens while traveling.
If you’re visiting or moving to a new area, or even if you go on a long vacation and come back, you may be exposed to new allergens and have strong reactions. Remember to take over the counter allergy medications with you so you’re prepared.
“This is often surprising to people,” PA Evans notes. “But even traveling within the same state where you live can expose you to new allergens.”
If you can already feel the fall seasonal sniffles coming on, don’t hesitate. Use MedChat or call Tryon Medical Partners to get your allergies under control today.