Q: In the fall, I often have a runny, stuffy nose and sneeze frequently. What could be causing these symptoms?
A: Tiny particles lurking both indoors and outdoors in the fall can trigger symptoms. If you experience sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes while in your house, you might be allergic to dust mites, animal dander or molds. Try these tips to ease symptoms:
1. If possible, remove carpet and install hardwood floors.
2. Wash bedding in hot water.
3. Vacuum regularly.
If you experience a runny or stuffy nose; sneezing; or itchy eyes, nose and throat, you might be allergic to ragweed, a plant that releases pollen between August and November. Ease outdoor symptoms with these tips:
1. Stay indoors between 5 and 10 a.m.
2. Keep house and car windows closed.
3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about allergy medications.
Q: How do pollens and molds affect asthma?
A: If you have asthma, these allergens can cause your airways to swell and trigger an asthma attack. Try these tips to reduce your exposure to these allergens:
1. Check your daily weather reports to find out local pollen and mold counts. When counts are high, stay indoors or reduce your outdoor activity.
2. Even when pollen and mold counts are low, it's a good idea to avoid yard work, such as raking wet leaves, mowing the grass or handling gardening material like compost and mulch.
3. When you come in from outside, wash your skin and hair, if possible.
4. Regularly clean moist areas and surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom. Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 50 percent.
5. Use air filters, which can reduce a variety of airborne substances that may worsen your asthma. Clean or replace the filters on air conditioners and other ventilation systems regularly.
Q: How can I tell the difference between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms?
A: Here are ways to tell the difference:
1. Nasal discharge is clear, thin, and watery in allergy sufferers; it's thicker and yellow or green during a cold.
2. You don't run a fever or have muscle aches with allergies.
3. Allergy symptoms appear regularly during specific times of the year, such as spring or fall. They usually disappear if you leave the environment in which you're affected.
4. Allergy symptoms can last weeks or months; colds can last a few days to two weeks, but symptoms rarely last longer than 10 days.
Source: Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2013
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