Dr. Noga Askenazi, M.D., Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, www.myallergydr.com
"Thank-you Dr. Askenazi. We have a lot of people come here with fall allergies, so could you please explain what fall allergies are?"
"Yes, it’s actually interesting because some people think fall allergies aren’t as bad as spring allergies and I don’t know if it’s because after a winter of not having allergies people realize how badly they feel in the spring. But fall can be just as bad as spring allergies. But, people may have a lull, or respite in the summer from spring allergies. But, then in the fall, the ragweed can really pollinate aggressively and it can trigger congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, people get headaches, they get sinus infections, asthma can be triggered. And, it’s not only the ragweed we have in this area, we have fall weeds and mold in addition. So, it could be a very prolonged, very serious fall season. And, we see that we need to help people as well as those that have the spring, also in the fall, when they’re triggered so badly."
"How can you prevent yourself from dealing with fall allergies?"
"Well, I mean, I’d rather tell people don’t avoid the outdoors. So, we do tell people to close their windows in the fall, and start taking medications. It’s very specialized for each person. It could be antihistamines, it could be rinsing your nose with saline or Neti pots, there’s nose sprays that works, there’s eye drops that work. And then, there’s allergy shots that become an option, as an allergist, that may help people not take as many medicines and feel better by the next fall."
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