How to cope with autumn allergies: doctors' advice

Many people experience symptoms for most of the year, especially if they have multiple allergens.

As Dr James Tracy, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), explains, it is difficult to determine the source of the ailment if there are many allergens. The person simply feels sick.

The main culprit of autumn allergies is ragweed. It begins to dust in August, when the nights are cooler and the days are warmer, and persists until October. Most people who suffer from spring allergies also have a reaction to ragweed.

How to deal with autumn allergies - 4 tips from ACAAI:

• Start treatment early. The best way to reduce symptoms is to start taking medication two weeks before symptoms appear. If you've dealt with autumn allergies before, you know roughly when an exacerbation starts. Don't stop taking medication immediately after the first freeze - symptoms may persist.
• Recognise your triggers and avoid them. If you're not sure what's causing your allergic reaction, see a board-certified allergist. He or she can help identify the causes and create a personalised treatment plan. After contact with allergens (for example, after a walk), be sure to shower and change clothes. It's best to leave clothes and shoes at the entrance - this will keep pollen out of the bedroom.
• Consider allergen immunotherapy. If conventional medication doesn't work, it's worth considering immunotherapy - in the form of injections or tablets. This method can not only alleviate symptoms, but also get rid of allergies completely. Immunotherapy works on the immune system, gradually reducing sensitivity to allergens.
• Don't forget about mould. It is particularly active in autumn. Mould forms in places with high humidity - in the bathroom, under the sink, in leaves in the yard. Cleaning water regularly, cleaning gutters, and keeping the humidity in your home below 60% will help avoid problems.

If allergy or asthma symptoms are preventing you from living life to the fullest, it's worth consulting a doctor. You can find a specialist in your area through the ACAAI website.