Achoo-tum Is Here!

It’s finally fall! Cooler evenings, colorful leaves, and some of the best family activities—apple picking, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and football games. After a long, hot summer, we welcome the season with open arms.

As we prepare ourselves for “sick season,” it’s easy to forget about another culprit that can mimic viral illness: fall allergies. Runny noses, sneezing, congestion, and even sore throats from postnasal drip aren’t always due to a cold (1, 2). Sometimes, they are caused by fall allergies.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

The biggest offender is ragweed, a weed that thrives this time of year. Up to 50 million people in the U.S. react to its pollen (3). Here’s a not-so-fun fact: a single ragweed plant can release up to a billion grains of pollen! And of course, the outdoor activities we longingly await all year only increase our exposure.

Fighting Fall Flare-Ups

The good news? There are simple ways to reduce symptoms:

Avoid allergen exposure when possible
Wash hands and face often
- Bonus: helps prevent the spread of viruses, too
Change clothing after outdoor activities
Wash bedding and bath linens frequently

Treatment Options

When supportive care isn’t enough, medications can help.

First-line treatment for mild to moderate symptoms are intranasal corticosteroids (4).

Flonase Sensimist and Nasonex (2 years +)
Flonase (4 years+)

For children with moderate to severe symptoms, add-on therapy of an oral antihistamine could be appropriately initiated (4).

Children’s Zyrtec (6 months +)
Children’s Allegra (6 months +)
Children’s Xyzal (6 months +)
Children’s Claritin (2 years +)

All medications above can be purchased over the counter. Appropriate dose varies by age and weight.

When to Call Parkside Pediatrics

If your child still has the Fall fussies despite trying these options, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help your family enjoy all that fall has to offer—without the sneezes!