Allergies can be horrible in the fall and since allergy symptoms can mimic cold and flu symptoms, it is important to treat them and prevent them if possible.

Allergies can be hard during any season, but this year they seem to be affecting more and more people and causing more severe symptoms.

Dr. Oswaldo Henriquez, an ear, nose, and throat specialist and an assistant professor at Emory School of Medicine said that he has already seen a lot of people in his office this season for allergy related issues and he thinks he will see a lot more patients before fall allergy season is over.

“Here in Atlanta we definitely see a lot of people that come with symptoms in the fall time,” Henriquez said. “And it just kind of depends on which kind of pollen they’re allergic to. Or what kind of fungal spores and things like that.”

Henriquez said that allergies are often worse in the fall because sufferers let their guards down and don’t realize that there are a variety of allergens still in the air and ground.

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The best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to stay inside when possible and avoid known allergens. Since you obviously can’t stay inside all of the time, there are several other things you can do.

Try different over-the-counter medications to find one that works for you. You can also try nasal sprays to help with dryness and congestion. Dr. Henriquez said that he feels that nasal sprays are the best option but you need to be careful about which one you choose.

“There are small ones that give you a small volume of saline, and then we have the bigger ones that are sort of like a power-wash of the nasal cavity. And those are, in some folks might be enough to give you some relief,” said Henriquez.

If you can’t get relief with over-the-counter medication or nasal sprays, he suggests asking your doctor for a prescription antihistamine.