INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Runny nose, itchy eyes and a cough are all symptoms of the common cold, but doctors say you could be suffering from allergies.
“If it is a cold it is more stuffiness or fever, but allergies tend to be sneezing and itching,” said Dr. Mark Holbreich of Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Although the weather has recently been sunny and warm, fall allergies are now kicking in.
“So in the fall the most common allergies are ragweed and mold,” said Dr. Holbreich.
Ragweed starts releasing pollen in the middle of August and continues throughout September. One ragweed plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen each season. Mold effects people throughout the fall months until winter hits. Doctors suggest taking an antihistamine to prevent itchy eyes and other symptoms.
“Over the counter nasal steroids combined with an antihistamine can be very effective, especially if you are very stuffy,” said Dr. Holbreich.
The best way to deal with allergies is prevention, which doctors suggest starting before allergy season hits.
“If you know from previous years that you have a month of bad allergy problems from August through September, starting your medication before August is best,” said Dr. Holbreich.
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