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5 Tips for Managing Fall Allergies and Sinus Issues
Utah offers beautiful vistas in every season of the year, but there’s no denying the remarkable allure of fall, with its colorful leaves and clear, deep-blue skies. But, in addition to stunning landscapes, fall in Utah also brings an uptick in allergies and sinus issues, with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
Fortunately, The team at ENT Specialists is skilled in both diagnosing and treating seasonal allergies and sinus problems using an individualized approach based on each patient’s symptoms and other factors. In this post, they offer 5 simple steps you can take to reduce fall allergy symptoms and sinus problems while still enjoying all the season has to offer.
1. Monitor pollen counts
Many people think of pollen allergies as something that only happens in the spring, when flowers and grasses begin to bloom and grow. But pollen is around in the fall, too, and, just as in the spring, the amounts of airborne particles vary from one day to the next.
Fortunately, many weather reports feature daily pollen counts to help you plan your activities accordingly. For even greater accuracy, visit online sites like Pollen.com that provide targeted pollen count information based on your ZIP code. Knowing the pollen count also helps you decide if you need to take allergy medication before heading out or carry medication with you.
2. Keep your windows closed
With cooler fall weather, it can be tempting to open your windows and let the fresh air in. But remember: That outdoor air can be filled with pollen and mold spores, and once indoors, those tiny particles can be really hard to get rid of.
If you can, keep your windows closed on days when the pollen count is high or when it’s windy outdoors. Use an air purifier for rooms where you spend most of your time, and keep your HVAC filters changed on a regular basis to improve indoor air quality. Consider cleaning your air ducts before firing up your furnace for the first time this season.
3. Shower and change after being outdoors
Pollen and mold spores are designed to be “sticky” so they can cling to their targets. Unfortunately, that means they can cling to your clothing, hair, and skin.
After a day outdoors, it’s important to wash those tiny particles away. Taking a shower and changing your clothes as soon as you come inside is ideal, but if you can’t shower immediately, you can reduce your symptoms and protect your sinuses by washing your hands and face and taking off your shoes so you don’t track pollen onto your carpets.
4. Take care when raking
Damp leaves provide an ideal breeding ground for mold, and if you stir up those leaves by raking, you can quickly find yourself surrounded by spores — and racked by coughing, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms.
Ideally, try to rake leaves as soon as they fall and before they’re dampened by rain. Add an extra layer of protection by wearing a dust mask while raking or doing any sort of yard work, especially when pollen counts are high. Bag leaves right after raking and move them away from your home to prevent spores from entering through doors or windows.
5. Use OTC products
Today, lots of over-the-counter products that can help relieve allergy symptoms are available. Saline nasal drops and sprays can be a good solution for washing pollen and mold spores out of your nasal passages, while artificial tears wash particles out of your eyes while relieving irritation.
Antihistamines and decongestants help relieve allergy symptoms, too, preventing the allergic response before it begins and opening nasal passages to relieve congestion. You can even help prevent allergic reactions by using these products ahead of time, before contact with known allergens.
Know when to seek professional care
One more tip: If your allergy symptoms persist or worsen despite these ideas, it’s time to schedule a visit with our team, so we can provide stronger, tailored solutions. We can also perform testing to make sure that what you think is an allergy isn’t really a sinus infection, a condition that requires an entirely different approach to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Don’t let fall allergies and sinus symptoms hold you back. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.
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