When Allergy Medicine Isn’t Enough: What to Do About Persistent Fall Allergy Symptoms

For many people, fall allergies mean weeks of sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a constantly runny nose. While over-the-counter allergy medicine may provide some relief, what happens when your allergy symptoms keep coming back or never fully go away?

Persistent symptoms may be a sign that it's time to look beyond temporary symptom relief and identify what's actually triggering your allergies.

Why Are Your Fall Allergies So Persistent?

Fall allergy symptoms are often triggered by airborne allergens such as ragweed pollen, mold spores, and other seasonal irritants. Every time you're exposed, your immune system can react, causing inflammation in the nasal passages.

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Coughing

If these symptoms are interfering with your sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities, simply taking medication when symptoms flare up may not be enough.

Allergy Testing Can Help Identify Your Triggers

One of the first steps toward better allergy management is finding out what you're actually allergic to.

Allergy testing can identify specific allergens that may be responsible for your symptoms. Knowing your triggers can make it easier to reduce exposure and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

This can be especially helpful when symptoms are persistent or when it's unclear whether allergies are responsible for ongoing congestion, sneezing, or other symptoms.

What About Allergy Shots?

For some patients, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be an option. Rather than simply treating symptoms, allergy shots are designed to help the immune system become less sensitive to specific allergens over time.

The treatment approach and schedule depend on the individual, which is why an evaluation with an allergy specialist is important before beginning immunotherapy.

Other Treatment Options May Be Available

Not everyone needs the same allergy treatment. Depending on your symptoms and allergy triggers, treatment may include medications, allergy shots, trigger avoidance, or other therapies.

Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. provides allergy testing, allergy shots, and individualized treatment for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and related conditions. The practice also offers advanced treatment options for appropriate patients with more complex allergy and airway concerns.

The goal isn't simply to get through another allergy season with a box of tissues. It's to find an approach that helps you better manage your symptoms and get back to your normal routine.

Don't Just Put Up With Fall Allergies

If your allergy medicine isn't providing enough relief, you don't necessarily have to spend the entire fall sneezing, congested, and uncomfortable. Identifying your specific triggers and discussing individualized treatment options can be an important step toward better symptom control.

If you're dealing with persistent fall allergies, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, or other allergy symptoms, Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. can help determine what's causing your symptoms and whether allergy testing or treatment may be appropriate. Located at 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Atlanta, GA 30342, the practice serves patients throughout the Atlanta area. Call 404-891-6576 to schedule an appointment or learn more about available allergy and ENT services.

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.