5 Easy Ways to Fight Fall Allergies

Ragweed, the biggest culprit of autumn allergies, starts pollinating in mid-August and ends with the first hard freeze. Read on to keep symptoms-like a runny nose and congestion-to a minimum.

RX nasal corticosteroid sprays prevent your body from releasing chemicals that react to ragweed. The medication works better if it's already in your system once the allergen is airborne.

Take a shower after you've been working or exercising outdoors, or in the evening before you go to bed. This will cut down on allergen exposure while you snooze, and you'll be more likely to wake up sniffle-free.

Some ragweed sufferers have what's known as oral allergy syndrome, and will have a reaction to melons, bananas, cucumbers and zucchini. One sign you might have it? Mouth tingling. Cooking the fruit or vegetable you react to can eliminate symptoms.

Leaves are a haven for mold growth, especially when they're damp. Try to clear your lawn soon after the leaves fall and consider wearing a face mask for yard work if your symptoms are especially bad.

Ragweed pollen levels peak in September, but the allergen is still present until the first frost. Track your town's pollen at Pollen.com so you can avoid spending too much time outside when the count is high.

SOURCES: Dalia G. Galicia, MD, allergist, Hutchinson Clinic, Hutchinson, KS. Neeta Ogden, MD, spokesperson, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.