WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —
Harvest season can bring an increase in allergy symptoms as combines move through the crops, according to Dr. Ravinder Agarwal, an allergy specialist with more than three decades of experience at the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center of West Des Moines.
“This is the time of year when people become more symptomatic,” Agarwal said. With most pollen gone during the season, he said mold is the biggest allergy problem outdoors. Dust mites and animal allergens also remain sources of exposure.
Over-the-counter pills and nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, Agarwal said, but timing matters. “Medication works best if taken before exposure,” he said, noting that many people wait until symptoms appear before taking medication.
Agarwal said a common mistake is using nasal sprays for only a day or two rather than consistently. He cautioned that brief use may not provide the relief people expect.
Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure can signal allergies, but these symptoms can also have other causes. “Patients with allergies may have symptoms that may overlap with viruses or infections,” Agarwal said.
More than one condition may be responsible for a person’s symptoms, Agarwal said. He urged people to think about when symptoms started and how they respond to treatment rather than assuming sneezing and stuffy noses are always caused by allergies.
Gn Health
