Why Do I Get So Congested in the Fall?

When the autumn season rolls around, many notice a lot more congestion, or stuffy noses, to deal with. There are many possible causes for this, but the seasonal changes themselves are most likely to blame for the congestion. This may take the form of seasonal allergies, but can also be due to the fact that cold and flu season is regularly in the fall.

Curious about how the seasons make you so congested and how you can treat the symptoms effectively to get you back on your feet quicker? Read on for information on how to do just that.

Seasonal Allergies

When it comes to congestion, the first thing to think about is allergies. This is because the main, and sometimes only, symptom of allergies is congestion. Sometimes the congestion is so bad that you get a sinus headache, so treating the symptoms before this happens is a good idea. Allergies occur when a foreign substance aggravates the immune system, which sends out antibodies to get rid of it. The antibodies cause inflammation when they attack the foreign substance, which often means congestion in the nasal passages.

This is why most over-the-counter allergy medications are antihistamines, as antihistamines help lessen congestion while also dealing with any sinus headaches that might come up because of the congestion. You can also be proactive when it comes to allergens and take a look at the pollen count if you plan to be outside a lot in the fall to know what days to avoid being outside on and you can give your living space a good clean to avoid inside allergens such as dust, animal dandruff, and ragweed pollen, which you can bring inside on your clothing.

Cold and Flu Season

Congestion is likely caused by allergies, but it can also be caused by colds. Considering fall is also cold and flu season, this means that you might need to treat a cold instead of allergies. Like most viruses, the best way to treat a cold is to rest and drink plenty of fluids, but there are also a lot of over-the-counter medications that can help you deal with symptoms. Keep in mind that if your cold symptoms lasts longer than ten days, it might be time to consult your doctor as colds typically do not linger longer than ten days.

If you’re looking for more information about sinus conditions that makes you so congested in the fall, reach out to Kentuckiana ENT, a Division of ENT Care Centers. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, you can even book an appointment with us to receive compassionate care to get you back to your regular routine. Contact us online or call us at 502-894-8441 today if you have any questions.