September is here and that means fall allergies are starting to kick in.
Those suffering from ragweed and pollen know what the experience is like, but this season more of us may be blowing our noses.
The heat and humidity can actually make allergy conditions worse, and as we're coming off one of the hottest summers on record the allergy season is expected to be just as strong.
"I sneeze and my sinuses get so full sometimes it feels like I’ve been punched in the face," said Sue Ringleb.
Ringleb suffers from allergies almost year round.
"Usually from when the weather starts warming up and things start to bloom almost until the first snowfall when things actually get covered up and can't blow around anymore," said Ringleb.
She says her allergies are so bad she's never without some kind of medication.
"If I’m going to spend the day outside I’ve always got a bottle in my pocket and I’ve got alarms set on my call phone so I can remember to take it instead of getting miserable and going oh yeah I forgot to take my pill," said Ringleb.
When the weather heats up, chemicals and other pollutants in the air can irritate people's allergies more. This year's season is particularly bad
"The allergy season this fall has really picked up here lately," said Dr. Bert Bottjen.
Dr. Bottjen at the Kossuth Regional Health Center says there are ways to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
"You want to keep your house closed up and keep your air conditioner running because if your windows are open the pollens are going to come right into your house," said Bottjen.
Going to see a doctor can also help.
"The over the counter meds tend to cause some sedation and sleepiness but the prescription medications you can get now cause less sedation," said Bottjen.
As for Ringleb, she says she'll stay indoors as much as possible, and hopes her allergies get better as winter arrives.
"Everybody tells me that they'll get worse the older you get but I keep trying to tell them I’m not old yet but it doesn't work," said Ringleb.
Dr. Bottjen says the best way to treat allergies is to get a test done at your local hospital or clinic. That can tell you exactly what you're allergic to and your doctor can then prescribe the best treatment option for your particular case.
