September is worst month for asthma and allergies

TULSA - The first days of fall are here and with that comes allergies for many. But there are some things people can do to lessen the blow.

Nine-year-old Cara York has had problems with her asthma and allergies since school started a few weeks ago.

"I've been blowing more times that you think I would be," she says.

Her mom says with a sinus infection, things have been really rough. Doctor Lynn Wiens says this is not uncommon with all the ragweed and mold floating around this time of year. The number of people he typically sees with bad allergies doubles during the month of September.

We're seeing a lot of patients that are having more sneezing, more congestion, more runny nose, and even some more asthma," he says.

In fact, September 23rd is historically one of the worst days for asthma. This day sees more asthma related hospitalizations and deaths than any other day throughout the year.

For the most part, allergies and asthma go hand in hand. Wiens recommends special mattress and pillow covers that keep dust mites away and a dehumidifier will help lesson mold inside the home. Doctors say medications also help tremendously, including saline based nasal washes.

"It helps flush out those allergens, and a lot of people are a little apprehensive about putting anything up their nose but this works fantastic if their consistent with it," says pharmacist Kyle Panter.

Doctors also recommend people take allergy tests to better control symptoms. The York family says it's something they will consider doing again in the future.