Allergy Season Is Here: How to Protect Your Sinuses This Fall

Autumn in Virginia can bring a spike in ragweed and dust allergies. As you go apple-picking and trick-or-treating, you may find yourself faced with a familiar wave of sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. If your allergies are hitting hard this year, it may be time for some extra precautions.  

At Advanced ENT & Allergy in Newport News, Virginia, Timothy Queen, MD, Erica Cherry, FNP-BC, and our team want to help you get ahead of allergy season instead of just reacting to it. Here's what we recommend.

Know your triggers

Seasonal allergies are typically driven by airborne pollen from trees, grasses, and, later in the year, weeds. Regional weeds can be the biggest culprits during the fall months, particularly ragweed pollen, which often appears as early as August in our region and peaks in October and November. 

Identifying whether your symptoms are tied to pollen, mold, dust, or something else is the first step toward real relief. That's something our team can help pinpoint with allergy testing. There are other steps you can take from home to protect against seasonal allergies. 

Keep pollen out of your home

Small habits make a big difference. Keep your windows closed on high-pollen days and change clothes after spending time outside. Showering before bed can also help remove pollen from your hair and skin so it doesn't end up on your pillow.

Rinse your sinuses

A saline nasal rinse is one of the simplest, most effective ways to physically flush pollen and irritants out of your nasal passages. Many patients find relief by rinsing once or twice a day during peak season.

Don't ignore ongoing sinus pressure

Occasional congestion is common, but if you're dealing with recurring sinus pressure, facial pain, thick nasal drainage, or headaches that last for weeks, it may be more than seasonal allergies. You might have chronic sinusitis or a structural issue that needs an ENT evaluation at our practice.

Consider your treatment options

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and nasal sprays work well for many people, but if you have severe symptoms that don't respond to standard treatments, it may be time for a personalized plan. 

Our team offers comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options to help address the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

When to book an appointment at Advanced ENT & Allergy

If allergy season is affecting your sleep, work, or quality of life year after year, you don't have to live this way. Our team is here to help you breathe easier — literally.

Take control of your allergy symptoms this fall by getting a head start today. Contact us at our Newport News office by calling 757-979-6475 or use our online booking feature.