CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the weather starts to turn cool and the Carolinas welcome fall, many people are sneezing and sniffling like it's early spring.
While most people associate seasonal allergies with spring, doctors say fall allergies are becoming more common and more intense.
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“Labor Day is about the time when fall allergy starts," Hong said. "When kids start going back to school, that's when you'll start to notice more of those allergy symptoms of itchy eyes, stuffy nose, drippy nose, lots of sneezing."
Information from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says ragweed, a tall, willowy plant, is the most common culprit behind fall allergies. Ragweed packs its biggest punch from late July to early November. Hong said keeping these allergens out of your home is important.
"You can do this by shutting your windows and remembering to take a shower after going outdoors," she said.
When it comes to medication, Hong said nasal steroids are a good option for relief, as well as antihistamines for symptoms like itchiness and sneezing. But she said if your allergies are really bad, it might be time to see an allergist.
“Allergies can make people feel really miserable," she said. "It can decrease people's quality of life. Kind of knowing what you're allergic to can be helpful for us so that you can prevent those symptoms from happening.”