Strike the Sniffles

How to Combat Fall Allergies

As fall approaches, so do allergies. The changes in pressure, weather, and temperature create the perfect environment for several allergens to surface, such as ragweed, mold, or dust mites. The classic symptom of a runny nose and overall not feeling well can lead to some confusion or concern about one’s health. When should you go to the doctor? What can you do to lessen your symptoms? Adam Hill, an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) at the Roane County Family Practice took some time out of his busy schedule to clarify some questions about allergies.

Photo Credits: healthcentral.com

Q: Allergies share a series of symptoms with several other illnesses. How can one determine if they are experiencing allergies, a sinus infection, or the flu?

A: “Seasonal allergies, sinus infections, and flu all share some common physical symptoms and can be difficult to distinguish between the three. Each can cause headache, ear fullness, or congestion (the feeling you get when riding in a car up or down a mountain), watery eyes, nasal and sinus congestion, sore throat, and a cough. Allergies are often noticed at certain times of the year, or when exposed to offending particulates such as pollen, mold, or grass. Allergies normally do not make you feel "bad," you may have a runny nose, scratchy throat, and cough, but overall you don't really feel sick. Sinus infections, on the other hand, will often make you feel sick. Most sinus infections are caused by a virus. In these cases you don't need antibiotics -- over the counter medications to help relieve your symptoms, plenty of water, and time will fix the problem. Although if symptoms continue past 7-10 days antibiotics would be considered. It is also not uncommon for a sinus infection to produce a low grade fever: 99-100.3. Fever is not seen with allergies. Flu normally has a sudden onset. You may feel fine when you awoke but by 2nd period you have a fever (often 101-103), headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue. The biggest thing that sets flu apart from a sinus infection is the rapid onset. Sinus infections can take days to reach the full potential of symptoms, where the flu is only a few hours.”

Q: What are some over the counter medications you would recommend to those experiencing allergies?

A: “Over the counter medications for allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants. Antihistamines block the chemical histamine your body produces when a foreign object is introduced to the body. In this case, allergens. By blocking histamine we reduce mucus production, itchiness, and inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa, the lining that opens to the outside. Side effects can include a dry mouth, dizziness, and sleepiness. Decongestants help further reduce mucus production. These medications can have side effects of a fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and nervousness in some people. Expectorants are designed to pull water into the mucus, in effect thinning the mucus to make it easier to expel from the body. Most common side effect is nausea when taken in large doses. For prevention of seasonal allergies, we often prescribe a non-sedating antihistamine like loratadine or fexofenadine along with a steroid nasal spray.”

Q: How could someone alleviate their symptoms without medication?

A: “There are some things we can do to help treat allergy symptoms without medications. Water plays a big role here. When the body makes mucus it takes a lot of water from the body. This water needs to be replaced, plus an extra amount to help thin the mucus. Saline nasal rinses are useful to help wash allergens from the nostrils, sinuses, and to wash away excess mucus. Avoiding allergens if possible would make sense, although not always practical. Eating a spoonful of local honey daily has shown to help desensitize some people to the most common local plant allergens. Seeing an allergist and having testing to identify any allergies you may have can help you avoid allergens easier and a plan can be made to help desensitize you through allergy shots.”

Q: When should one see a doctor for their symptoms?

A: “You should see your doctor as soon as possible when you have a sudden onset of symptoms, think flu. If you think you have allergies and none of the over the counter medications are helping control your symptoms, or you develop a fever, your mucus starts having a foul smell or taste and has turned yellow, brown, or bloody then it's time to see your doctor. Another reason that should prompt you to see your doctor is if your symptoms seem to go away for a few days only to return worse than before. This could indicate a secondary sinus infection following a previous viral infection.”