Fall is a picturesque time of year, but for many of us, fall allergies rear their ugly heads. Sometimes, fall allergies can be even worse than in the spring.

Even though many plants are done blooming by the time fall comes around, why do our allergies get worse? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville is here to provide some answers for you.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

During the spring, flower and tree pollen are the infamous culprits of robbing many of us from enjoying the beautiful weather. The fall season’s version of flower and tree pollen is ragweed pollen.

If you are allergic to pollen during the spring, experts say that you have about a 75% chance of also reacting to ragweed pollen. Between the months of August and October, the weather is typically pretty dry and fall winds carry weed pollen for hundreds of miles. So even if you and your neighbors are avid gardeners and always make sure there are no weeds in the yard, unfortunately, it doesn’t really matter.

Allergy Symptoms

• Watery or itchy eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Itchy throat

How Can I Be Sure That It’s Allergies and Not a Cold?

Although cold and allergy symptoms are quite similar, allergies are caused by allergens—substances that trigger an autoimmune response in our bodies—while colds are caused by viruses.

Allergy symptoms also usually all occur at once, while symptoms of a cold occur gradually and worsen for a period of three to 14 days. Another good way to tell the difference between allergies and a cold is the color and thickness of your mucus. Allergy mucus is typically thin and clear, while cold mucus is typically thicker and a brighter yellow/greenish color.

Allergy Remedies

• Using oral antihistamines
• Drinking more water than usual
• Trying over-the-counter nasal sprays
• Using probiotic supplements
• Taking more showers and wash your clothes more often

Struggling with allergies this season? Visit us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville, and we can help provide you with the relief you need!