Seasonal Allergies: 5 Ways to Beat the Late-Summer & Early Fall Allergy Season! by Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP

Ragweed, mold spores and household dust can cause people with allergies to suffer long after the weather turns cool. Here are some tips for fighting late-summer allergies:

• Manage the air inside. Make sure you change the air filter in your heating and air system on a monthly basis.

• Keep things clean. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter and cleaning regularly can keep dust, mold spores and ragweed from accumulating inside your house and on your clothes.

• Watch the weather. News outlets usually track the pollen and mold count on any given day, and warm windy days are likely to be worse for allergy sufferers. 

• Try a sinus wash. This is a simple way to keep your sinuses clear of pollen and reduce the risk of sinus infections. 

• Take an antihistamine. If all else fails, an over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamine medication like loratadine or cetirizine once daily can keep your sneezing and sniffling under control. 

Your nurse practitioner can also provide good lifestyle and wellness tips for living with allergies. To find an NP near you, check out NPfinder.com.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.