Common allergens hide in surprising holiday favorites, but communication and preparation help families safely enjoy the season

While being allergic to pine trees is relatively uncommon, doctors say it’s possible for them to carry allergens like dust and mold.

If your fall allergies are flaring up, it’s important to remember hidden allergens could be lurking inside your home – making your symptoms worse. To find relief, you should start by stopping any outdoor allergens from getting inside. “If you suffer from seasonal allergies, make sure to keep the windows closed when you’re in the car and at home. Although it’s nice to enjoy the fall weather, pollens can be brought inside from the breeze,” explained Sandra Hong, MD, an allergist for Cleveland Clinic.

As we inch closer to the end of summer, fall allergy season is gearing up. That means many people will soon be reaching for the tissue box. To help with your symptoms this fall, Dr. Hong said it’s important to keep allergens out of your home. You can do this by shutting your windows and remembering to take a shower after going outdoors. Don’t let your pets inside the bedroom either since they can carry pollen on their fur. When it comes to medication, Dr. Hong said nasal steroids are a good go-to option for relief as well as antihistamines for symptoms like itchiness and sneezing. If fall allergies are still stopping you from enjoying the season, it might be time to see an allergist.

The summer is a great time to get outside.  But if you are a child that suffers from grass pollen or ragweed allergies, the outdoors could mean coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.  

Pets can be a common gift around the holiday season, but is a new cat or dog the culprit behind your sneezing? Allergist Sandra Hong, MD, with Cleveland Clinic explains some of the symptoms that could mean you're allergic to your four-legged friend.

Allergists say it is important to spend time around the type of animal you are interested in adopting to see how your body responds. Also, get tested for different pet allergies. Allergists add animals such as fish, lizards, and turtles tend to be a safe option. If you have a pet you're allergic to, medical professionals say to use air purifiers and don't let the animal sleep in your bed.

Allergists say common symptoms of fall allergies can include a stuffy or runny nose, itchiness, watery eyes and sneezing. There are different treatment options available depending on the severity of a person's allergies. However, nasal steroids are usually the number one treatment for allergies. Doctors also recommend taking an antihistamine on an as-needed basis

An air quality alert is issued when air pollution is high, so we can adjust our activities and avoid certain things, like being outdoors during the hottest part of the day. When heat and sunlight mix with exhaust from vehicles and industry, ozone levels rise. Ozone is one of five pollutants considered when calculating air quality. High ozone can aggravate asthma, leading to coughing, wheezing or chest tightness, and allergy sufferers are impacted by ozone as well.