When should you see a CEENTA physician about your allergies?

• Your nasal symptoms are not easily or adequately controlled with medications
• Your allergy symptoms involve more than the nose, such as recurrent sinus infections, middle ear problems and chronic cough
• Diagnostic tests are needed to confirm or exclude the presence of allergies
• Immunotherapy (such as allergy shots) is needed to alter your immune system so that it no longer overreacts to harmless substances in the environment

If you exhibit these symptoms, please call 704.295.3000 to set up an appointment.

What are fall allergies?

Though the flowers are no longer blooming and the air has turned crisp and cool, many allergy sufferers get no reprieve during the fall months. The allergy triggers might be slightly different, but they can be just as misery-inducing as the flower pollen that fills the air in the spring and summer.

Common fall allergy culprits:

• Ragweed
• Mold
• Dust mites

What are the symptoms of fall allergies?

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes and nose
• Dark circles under the eyes

Managing fall allergies:

Here are a few tips for easing fall allergy symptoms:

• Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to avoid being exposed to your allergy triggers.
• Before you turn on your heat for the first time, have your heating ducts cleaned and change the filters, using an anti-allergy filter. Particles of mold and other allergens can become trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you crank up the furnace.
• Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold and other particles from the air.
• Use a humidifier to keep your air at between 35 and 50 percent humidity.
• Wear a mask when you rake leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.