Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing leaves, but for millions of Americans, it also signals the start of seasonal allergy misery. Experts say getting ahead of symptoms with an early plan can make all the difference.
One Mother’s Struggle with Seasonal Allergies
Jessica Duffy of Flourtown, Pa., loves spending time outdoors with her kids, except when her seasonal allergies flare up.
“I was getting bronchitis pretty much twice a year, like clockwork, once in the late fall and then again in the springtime,” Jessica remembers.
The coughing dragged on for more than a month, disrupting nearly every part of her life.
“It was keeping me up at night. I was losing sleep. I was missing my kids’ school events and sporting events, missing work.”
Jessica grew tired of relying on steroids and antibiotics every time an episode hit. When her primary care doctor recommended seeing a pulmonologist, she made an appointment with Dr. Kartik Shenoy of the Temple Lung Center.
Identifying the Triggers
Dr. Shenoy emphasizes that testing comes first to pinpoint exactly what is causing allergic reactions.
“They’re often allergic to multiple things, which could involve both fall, spring, summer, et cetera,” he explains.
For Jessica, the results were eye-opening.
“I was basically allergic to every tree and grass in our area that came out in the fall and spring.”
Building a Long-Term Allergy Plan
Once triggers are identified, Dr. Shenoy helps patients develop a strategy for allergy season and beyond. A key part of that strategy involves monitoring daily pollen counts so medication doses can be adjusted as conditions change.
“Starting things early is more about preventing symptoms from developing,” he notes. “To prevent it from progressing into something worse that would require more escalated treatment.”
The ultimate goal is reducing reliance on steroids, which carry serious health risks when used repeatedly.
“Whether that be development of chronic kidney disease, whether it be development of diabetes, whether it’s osteopenia, osteoporosis.”
Simple Tactics to Reduce Allergen Exposure
Beyond medication, Dr. Shenoy recommends several straightforward habits to keep allergens at bay:
- Wear an N95 mask while doing outdoor chores
- Shower promptly after spending time outside
- Wash clothes immediately after outdoor activities
- Follow daily pollen counts to adjust medication timing
For Jessica, the combination of daily over-the-counter pills and an inhaler during high-pollen seasons has been life-changing.
“Since then, I have not had any bouts of bronchitis.”
Now she can step outside with her kids and actually enjoy the beauty of fall.