South Jersey Sun

• Fall allergies typically begin in August and can last through October.

• To diagnose allergies, doctors may recommend either a blood test or a skin test.

• Some treatment options include over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays and immunotherapy.

Allergy sufferers are now getting a little added relief in their fight against allergies.

"Allergy shots still exist, but for a lot of people, compliance is an issue because it does require you to go to the office," Dr. Nicola DeLorio of Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group told the South Jersey Sun. "You get the shot, sit and wait for about 15 to 20 minutes, make sure you don't have a  reaction. That's difficult for people to schedule on a regular basis.  So now we offer sublingual allergy treatments, which are drops that are placed under your tongue to provide daily treatment.

"You still get that allergen titration, so little by little it is increased to provide immunity from those allergens. But because it's done at home, you can travel with it and not miss your allergy treatments just because you are away. It's much more convenient than having to make a doctor's  appointment every week."

Fall allergies typically begin in August, as ragweed begins to release pollen, and last through October. According to WebMD, even people residing in areas where ragweed doesn’t grow can still be affected at peak allergy seasons, as the wind can carry ragweed pollen for hundreds of miles. Another common trigger is mold, which can grow in piles of damp leaves.

Seasonal allergy sufferers may also be affected by dust mites that can stir as people begin to turn on the heat in their homes in the fall. Dust mites are also often present in schools, rendering students vulnerable as they return to the classroom. Common allergy symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes and noses.

As part of the process in arriving at their diagnosis, doctors often review the patient's symptoms and medical history before recommending either a blood test or a skin test. For a skin test, the doctor places a small amount of the allergen on the patient's skin, typically on the forearm or back. If the patient is allergic to that particular allergen, a small, itchy bump will appear.

Depending on the type and severity of your allergies, doctors may recommend other treatment options that could include over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, immunotherapy or, in very severe cases, carrying an emergency epinephrine shot, such as an EpiPen.

If you have allergies and are considering seeking treatment, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.