Seasonal allergies are often associated with spring. But for many people, fall can feel like one continuous fight against sniffles, sneezing and wheezing. Learn how to stop seasonal allergies in their tracks with these quick tips and common-sense solutions.

The most common signs and symptoms of outdoor allergies include:

• Sniffles and sneezing
• Red eyes or runny nose
• Itchy, irritated skin or even a rash

Many people mistakenly think spring is the only time of year they need to worry about pollen, poison ivy or other allergens. The fact is, fall is full of dead leaves, molds and other irritants that can aggravate allergies. To reduce your risk of outdoor allergies, use these simple steps when working or playing outside this season:

• Wear gloves, a hat and a long-sleeve shirt while pruning limbs and raking leaves. When finished, immediately remove all outer clothing and wash separately from other laundry. Follow up by showering and washing your hair as soon as possible.
• Wear a dust mask and eye covering when working with mulch, large leaf piles or burn pits.
• Clean equipment before storing or bringing inside.
• Clean pets before letting them in. Pets (and kids!) often bring in the very same things you are trying to keep out.
• Make it a priority to routinely brush pets before letting them back into the house. Instruct children to wipe their feet and wash their hands when coming in from a long day of play.
• Keep trees, shrubs and leaves well-maintained. Not only will it help reduce the risk of snow-related maintenance later, but a well-groomed yard is less likely to result in a run-in with potentially problematic pollutants, insects or other allergy triggers.

Dry air can further irritate delicate mucus membranes, leaving allergy sufferers more susceptible to airborne particles, smoke or other common irritants both inside and outside the home. While dry air is a normal part of the season, it is easy to alleviate symptoms by taking a few standard precautions:

• Use a humidifier inside the home or office. Central heat and wood burning stoves remove moisture from the air, making it drier than ever. Replacing the moisture helps decrease the irritating particles that can cause your allergy symptoms to flare.
• Use eye drops and nasal spray to keep eyes and nose in natural balance. Saline solution is an effective and thrifty alternative to the name-brands. 

Few things are more relaxing than sitting beside a crackling fireplace or telling stories around an autumn bonfire; unfortunately, allergy sufferers may encounter more than they bargained for. Smoke, soot and even burning candles release a multitude of chemicals and particles known to irritate eyes, nose and throat. Prevention is often the best solution to smoke- and soot-related allergies, but when it can’t be avoided there are a few additional steps that can help:

• Clear dirt and debris off wood before burning. Many people are actually more susceptible to fungi and molds growing on wood than they are the wood itself. Never burn plants or leaves around allergic individuals; poison ivy and other plants can cause serious swelling and discomfort if they are inhaled.
• Avoid direct exposure to smoke. Sit or stand far enough away from the source to avoid contact and remain in a well ventilated area at all times.
• Keep things clean and fresh, including yourself. Wear layers that can be easily removed and washed, a hat or head covering to reduce direct contact with hair and keep your hands away from eyes, ears and nose. Wash your hands and face as soon as possible when working around fire, soot or smoke.