Q Why do my family’s allergies seem to flare in the fall? How can I keep them healthy this year?
A The most common fall allergen in this area is the ragweed pollen. The common ragweed plants in the Chattanooga region each can produce up to 1 billion pollen granules each season. The typical ragweed season begins in early September and lasts until the first frost. This extended period of high pollen exposure leads thousands of patients to symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion. To protect your family this fall season from allergy suffering, begin early with daily over-the-counter antihistamines. You can also take prescription topical steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays. If you’re looking for an all-natural curative therapy then allergy shots are for you. Also, there is a new sublingual allergy tablet for ragweed pollen that if started three months prior to ragweed season has been shown to be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. It’s called Ragwitek and can only be obtained at an allergist office.
Marc W. Cromie, M.D. Allergist
Chattanooga Allergy Clinic
6624 Lee Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 899.0431, chattanoogaallergyclinic.com
