Fall Allergy Testing: Identify & Manage Seasonal Symptoms

Fall allergies cause reactions due to seasonal triggers that cause histamine distress within the body. Allergy testing can be performed to diagnose the allergen source.

Identification

• Fall allergies produce hay fever symptoms of congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing that may indicate the need for allergy testing and treatment.

Types

• Mold and ragweed are abundant in the fall due to ragweed pollination and damp weather that promotes mold growth, causing allergies when inhaled through the eyes, nose and mouth.

Function

• Fall allergies are tested through the skin prick test, which injects a small amount of allergen into a patient. Skin irritations at the injection site indicate an allergy.

Considerations

• Lung function tests check for allergic asthma, measuring the amount of air breathed out and rate of exhalation, with low measurements indicating a potential allergen obstruction in the lungs.

Prevention/Solution

• Upon testing and diagnosing fall allergies, oral and topical antihistamines can be used to decrease inflammation, bronchodilators may relieve allergic asthma and allergy shots may be recommended during the season.