Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we've been talking about fall allergies. Ragweed, mold, cedar and other allergens can cause hay fever at this time of year, and indoor allergens may be more of a problem when you start staying inside on cold days. You may not be able to remove all allergens from your life, but there are medications to help reduce the misery.
Dr. David Khan, an allergist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says over-the-counter medications are a good place to start. Antihistamines help with sneezing and runny nose, while decongestants ease stuffy noses. Avoid decongestant nasal sprays, which can be addicting. If over-the-counter drugs aren't effective or if side effects like drowsiness bother you, you may need to see a doctor. Prescription medications may be more effective, and allergy shots can help make allergy sufferers less sensitive to allergens.
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October 2006
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