Sneezes & Pumpkins: Tackling October Allergies

Ah, October in Waco—the air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the excitement of fall activities fills the community. From cheering on your favorite football team to picking out the perfect Halloween costume, there's so much to enjoy. But for many, this season also brings a less welcome guest: allergies.

With high levels of ragweed pollen and mold spores from decaying foliage, it’s no surprise that respiratory issues and rhinitis symptoms are on the rise. “We will see more respiratory issues and rhinitis symptoms due to high ragweed. As a mom, I see these things when out at the soccer field every Saturday,” shares Leslie Muenzler, our Family Nurse Practitioner at Allergy & Asthma Care of Waco. Kids playing outdoor sports like soccer and football are especially susceptible.

So, what can you do to keep enjoying the outdoors without the sniffles? Adding a daily nasal spray like Flonase can be incredibly beneficial. Staying diligent with your asthma controllers is also crucial during this peak season. Simple steps like checking local pollen counts on our website, keeping windows closed, and showering after outdoor activities can make a big difference in managing symptoms.

As we gear up for Halloween, let’s not forget those with food allergies who may find the holiday challenging. “The holiday season is amazing on so many levels, but those with food allergies may think otherwise,” says Dr. Fowler of Waco Allergy & Asthma. This year, we’re embracing the Teal Pumpkin Project—a movement that promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters by offering non-food treats. Keep an eye out for teal pumpkins in the neighborhood!

In the spirit of the Teal Pumpkin Project, we’re hosting a fun “Guess the Weight of the Teal Pumpkin” contest! Swing by our clinic to submit your guess (between October 21st and October 31st), and you might just win a gift card to Sip City, the new coffee spot everyone’s buzzing about. The winner will be announced in our November newsletter.

Lastly, now is a great time to ensure your epinephrine devices are up to date and that your Food Allergy Action Plans are current. For those managing severe food allergies, treatments like Xolair, a monthly injection approved for reducing allergic reactions, might be worth discussing with us.

Let’s make this fall season enjoyable and safe for everyone. At Allergy & Asthma Care of Waco, we’re here to help you navigate your allergies so you can fully embrace all that Waco has to offer this time of year!