The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and you can’t stop sneezing. Is it fall allergies, or is a cold coming on? In New England, autumn brings both. Here is how to tell them apart, what helps at home, and when it makes sense to see a provider.
Why fall can be rough on your nose
Many people think of allergy season as a spring problem. But pollen comes in waves. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, trees release pollen in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. Ragweed is one of the best-known fall weeds, and its light pollen travels easily on the wind.
Fall brings other triggers too. Damp piles of fallen leaves can hold mold, which bothers some people with allergies. As the weather cools, we also close the windows and spend more time inside with dust and pet dander. And this is the time of year when colds, flu and COVID-19 start to spread in schools and offices.
Allergies or a cold? Clues to look for
Allergies and colds share many symptoms, like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and a cough. The CDC notes that hay fever (allergic rhinitis) causes sneezing, a runny nose and congestion, and eye allergies can cause red, watery or itchy eyes. A few clues can help you sort it out:
- Itching of the eyes, nose, mouth or throat points more toward allergies.
- Fever and body aches point toward an infection. Allergies do not cause a fever.
- Timing matters. A cold usually gets better within a week or two. Allergy symptoms can last for weeks, as long as you are around the trigger.
- Patterns help too. If you feel worse after raking, hiking or a windy day outside, allergies may be to blame.
- Clear, thin mucus is common with allergies. Colds may start clear and turn thicker over a few days.
If you are not sure, or you have a fever, a quick test can help. Our clinics offer rapid COVID-19, flu and strep testing on site.
Simple ways to feel better at home
The best way to manage allergies is to avoid what triggers them, even though it is not always possible to avoid pollen completely. MedlinePlus suggests some simple steps:
- Keep windows closed at home and in the car on high-pollen days. Use air conditioning if you have it.
- Try a saline (salt water) nasal rinse or spray to help clear mucus.
- Shower and change clothes after time outdoors, especially after yard work.
- Wear a mask when raking or moving damp leaves, or ask someone else to handle that chore.
- Ask a pharmacist which over-the-counter allergy medicine is right for you, especially for children or if you take other medicines.
When to visit urgent care
Many allergy flares can be handled at home. It is a good idea to see a provider if:
- Your symptoms are severe or keep you from sleeping, working or going to school.
- Treatment that used to work no longer helps.
- You have a fever, ear pain, sinus pain or a sore throat that is not getting better.
- Symptoms last more than 10 days or get better and then suddenly get worse.
- Allergies seem to be setting off your asthma, with more coughing or wheezing than usual.
Our providers can check you over, help sort out allergies from an infection, and suggest a plan. Learn more about our allergy and asthma care. Both our Acton and Canton clinics see children and adults, and no appointment is needed. You can also reserve your spot online to save time.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if…
- You or your child has severe trouble breathing, or lips or face are turning blue or gray.
- There is swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble swallowing.
- You have signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as hives with trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting), especially after a sting, food or medicine.
- An asthma attack does not get better with your rescue inhaler.
- Someone is confused, very hard to wake up, or has chest pain.
If you have a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, use it as directed and call 911.
The bottom line
Fall allergies are common in Massachusetts, and they can feel a lot like a cold. Itching and long-lasting symptoms point to allergies, while fever and aches point to an infection. Simple steps at home often help. When they don’t, or you just want answers, our team is here seven days a week.