Seasonal Changes Affect Our Health… Here's What You Can Do About It

One of the many things people love about living in America is seasonal changes. Just when we're starting to get tired of the heat of summer, the coolness of fall arrives. 

And just when we've had enough of Old Man Winter, spring shows up and provides us with warmth and the rebirth of plants.

But one thing many of us have learned to dislike about the transition from summer to fall and winter to spring is seasonal allergies.

They can make us miserable. We love to get outside again after being cooped up during extreme heat or cold, but we also know that's where the causes of seasonal allergies lurk.

Taking preemptive measures against pesky allergies and learning the difference between allergies and viruses could be key to enjoying your favorite seasons. 

Fall allergies already starting 

The fall season will begin in one week, and some of us are already experiencing what it will bring over the coming weeks and months.

Mainly allergies involving congestion, headaches, sore throats and sinus pressure. The lowering of temperatures as fall begins means our bodies need time to adjust.  

Arlesia Jones is with the Methodist Medical Group in Texas. She said, "Some of the symptoms of fall allergies that come into play are sore throat or scratchy throat, runny nose and congestion.

"Sometimes it can be a little bit difficult to determine what is allergies versus what is virus. Because sometimes those symptoms can mimic each other."

Preemptive allergy meds strike

Fortunately, there are actions we can take to combat this seasonal problem that can make life unbearable for those who suffer from it.

"There are some standards, such as washing your hands and using hand sanitizer," she said. "Those are two things you can do across the board no matter what time of year it is.

"But certainly if you know your allergies can kick in this time of year, now would be a good time to start taking some allergy medication.

"And maybe stay on that for a few weeks or throughout the season so you can minimize the severity of those symptoms you're feeling. Always check with your doctor to make sure specific medications won't cause issues with other medications you're on."

Virus or allergies? 

So, with symptoms often being so similar, how can we tell the difference between seasonal allergies and something more serious?

"One difference is that you'll see a fever with a virus but not with an allergy," Jones added. "Most of the time people with a virus will also have body aches.

"Usually, once you get on allergy medication and you've given it a few days to kick in, you should start to notice your symptoms start to improve.

"With a virus, it can take longer to see that turnaround. I tell people that after seven to 10 days with a virus you should start to feel better. But if your symptoms haven't improved by then, you should go in and see your doctor and get checked out."   

Sleep, diet & exercise

How else can we help our bodies adjust better to weather changes that occur in most parts of the country in the fall?

"It's always important to get plenty of sleep," she said. "Eat well and get your exercise in. Some people like to take multivitamins, and that's fine, as well as increasing their elderberry, zinc and vitamin C at this time of year.

"Dehumidifiers can also help with allergy symptoms and nasal congestion. But in the morning, you need to remember to get rid of the residual water and allow it to fully air out.

"Those machines collect moisture out of the air. When it just sits there, it can cause mold and result in other problems."

Sinus Complete to the rescue

As I mentioned earlier, seasonal changes can have a big impact on our sinuses. If you suffer from sinus issues, you don't need me to tell you that.

What you might need, however, is a good recommendation for something that could give you relief. And make you wish you'd learned about it sooner.

I'm talking about Sinus Complete AM/PM from the Patriot Health Alliance. It contains two formulas in one in order to support sinus health. And help you breathe easier. It dissolves that troublesome mucus that causes congestion and sinus pressure.

The carefully selected probiotics are designed for sinus health. They also target the seasonal concerns so many of us have.

A healthy choice

Why is Sinus Complete better than many other options? Because other choices often come at the problem wrong. They assume mucus is bad and needs to be dried up. 

In reality, healthy mucus is vital for cleaning and moistening sinuses. The N-Acetyl-Cystine (NAC) helps to thin and detoxify sticky mucus. Probiotic strains then crowd out unwanted bacteria.

Quercetin, a potent antioxidant, gives you extra support for your seasonal concerns. Especially in the spring and fall.