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MONDAY, Aug. 31, 2020<\/p>\n
Some fall allergy symptoms<\/a> mimic those of COVID-19<\/a>, so seasonal allergy<\/a> sufferers should follow treatment plans and take precautions to avoid any confusion<\/a>, an expert says.<\/p>\n “A rise in ragweed tends to mark the informal start of the fall allergy<\/a> season, which typically begins in mid-August,” said Dr. Rachna Shah, an allergist with Loyola Medicine in Maywood, Ill.<\/p>\n Along with ragweed, fall allergens include pollen<\/a>, mold<\/a> and grass.<\/p>\n “With COVID-19<\/a> in the mix and some of the symptoms overlapping [including congestion<\/a>, runny nose<\/a>, headaches<\/a> and throat irritation], it’s especially important this year to have your preventive allergy<\/a> treatment plan in place,” Shah said in a Loyola news release.<\/p>\n “Often, when people are feeling well, they will become more lax about following their treatment plans,” she added.<\/p>\n If you have chronic allergies<\/a>, you should begin seasonal treatment protocols — prescriptions, over-the-counter<\/a> allergy<\/a> medications and\/or steroid nasal sprays — as soon as possible, “as they may take a week or more to kick in,” Shah advised.<\/p>\n She also noted that because “allergy symptoms<\/a> can worsen asthma<\/a>, causing breathing<\/a> difficulties, it’s important that you have all of your asthma<\/a> tools. Make sure that your inhaler is up to date, not expired, that you have additional inhalers and refills on hand, and that you are taking preventive measures.”<\/p>\n For example, change the timing of outdoor activities on days when allergen<\/a> levels are particularly high.<\/p>\n “Pollen<\/a> counts are highest in the beginning of the day — from dawn until 10 a.m.,” Shah said. “Shifting activities to later in the day can help a lot.”<\/p>\n Also, keeping windows closed and\/or rinsing off or changing clothes after being outside can help on high allergen<\/a> days.<\/p>\n If you follow the recommendations and fail to find relief, you may need medical help.<\/p>\n “Patients who are still suffering from allergy<\/a> symptoms after adhering to their treatment protocols, taking preventive measures and\/or modifying daily activities should be evaluated by a physician,” Shah said.<\/p>\n Symptoms of fall allergies<\/a> may include itchy<\/a> eyes, itchy<\/a> nose, sneezing<\/a>, runny nose<\/a>, nasal congestion<\/a>, headaches<\/a>, ear itching<\/a> or popping, postnasal drip<\/a> and throat irritation.<\/p>\n — Robert Preidt<\/p>\n ![\"MedicalNews\"](\"https:\/\/images.medicinenet.com\/images\/HealthDay\/healthday.png\")
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