PHX Reporter

• Symptoms of fall allergies include runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, and dark circles under the eyes.
• In many areas of the U.S., ragweed pollen, the most common fall allergen, peaks in early to mid-September.
• There are many ways to combat fall allergies, both with over-the-counter medications and by seeing a physician.

As summer starts to cool off and turn into fall, it is important to keep in mind the allergies that come with the fall season. According to Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free, these allergies can lead to worse medical afflictions if no action is taken.

“Allergies can present themselves in various forms, such as runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, etc.,” Dr. Stewart told the PHX Reporter. “If allergies are not addressed and managed appropriately this may lead to sinus disease or may be amplifying the sinus disease already present.”

According to WebMD, fall allergies are different from the seasonal allergies that come with summer and spring, but can cause just as many symptoms. The biggest allergen for fall is typically ragweed, which starts to release pollen in August and can go through October. Roughly 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed, and ragweed pollen can travel hundreds of miles. Mold and dust mites are other common fall allergy triggers.

For those who struggle with fall allergies, it is recommended to remain indoors late morning or midday when pollen is at its peak. It is also recommended that people clean their heating vents before turning on the heat for the first time as the weather starts to cool, as bits of mold and pollen can get stuck in heating vents over the summer. People can also use a dehumidifier and wear a mask when raking leaves.

The 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine. People who need to undergo testing for allergies typically have two options. For a skin test, the doctor will place a small amount of the allergen on the patient's skin, typically on the forearm or back. If the patient is allergic to that particular allergen, a small, itchy bump will appear. The other option is a blood test, during which the patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. Although this testing method takes longer, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than during a skin test.

According to Arizona Breathe Free's website, Dr. John Stewart earned his bachelor's degree in biology with summa cum laude honors from Grand Canyon University. He attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in otorhinolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at Freeman Hospital & Health System in Joplin, Missouri.