Fall makes it surprisingly easy to explain away feeling lousy.
Between weather changes, allergies and respiratory viruses, that nagging sore throat doesn’t seem very surprising.
But sometimes, a symptom that seems seasonal deserves a closer look.
“Many common fall symptoms will clear up on their own, but you want to pay attention when something is persistent, getting worse or interfering with your normal routine,” says Syed Hussain, MD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “That can be a sign that it’s worth checking in with your doctor.”
Here are some of the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore this fall.
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Your cough just won’t go away
A cough can come with a cold, flu, COVID-19, allergies or other respiratory illnesses, so having one for a few days may not be especially surprising during the fall.
What matters is what happens next.
“If your cough keeps lingering, gets worse instead of better or comes with other concerning symptoms, it’s worth talking to your doctor,” Dr. Syed says.
Pay particular attention if you’re also having trouble breathing, chest discomfort or symptoms that initially improve and then return.
> Related: 5 Home Remedies for Your Cough
You’re more short of breath than usual
Maybe the stairs suddenly feel harder. Or a walk you normally handle without thinking leaves you stopping to catch your breath.
Don’t automatically blame cooler weather or being out of shape.
“New or worsening shortness of breath is something we want patients to take seriously,” Dr. Syed says. “There are many possible causes, and figuring out what’s behind it is important.”
Shortness of breath can occur with respiratory illnesses and asthma, but it can also be associated with heart problems and other conditions.
> Related: What’s Causing Your Sniffles – Cold, Sinus Infection or Allergies?
Your allergies feel different this year
Runny nose. Sneezing. Itchy, watery eyes.
Those symptoms can certainly fit with seasonal allergies.
But wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing shouldn’t simply get lumped in with your usual fall allergies.
“Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms in some people,” Dr. Syed says. “If you’re noticing changes in your breathing or your usual allergy treatment isn’t controlling your symptoms, talk to your doctor.”
Pollen, mold and other allergens can trigger allergic asthma in susceptible people.
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You can’t shake the exhaustion
Shorter days and a busier fall schedule can make tiredness seem normal.
But there’s a difference between wanting an extra hour of sleep and feeling exhausted day after day.
“Fatigue is a very broad symptom, so we look at the bigger picture,” Dr. Syed says. “How long has it been happening? Is it getting worse? Are there other symptoms happening with it?”
Persistent fatigue can have many causes, so don’t assume the season is automatically responsible.
If it’s interfering with work, exercise or your usual daily activities, bring it up with your doctor.
> Related: Why You Always Feel Tired — Even After 8 Hours of Sleep
That sore throat keeps hanging around
A scratchy throat can come from allergies, dry air or a respiratory infection.
But if it isn’t improving, keeps returning or comes with other symptoms, it may be worth getting checked.
“A sore throat by itself often isn’t something to worry about,” Dr. Syed says. “Duration and the other symptoms happening with it can help us decide whether someone needs to be evaluated.”
And if swallowing or breathing becomes difficult, seek medical attention promptly.
> Related: Can Chicken Noodle Soup Really Cure My Cold?
You keep getting dizzy or lightheaded
It’s easy to shrug off a quick dizzy spell, especially if you stood up too fast or haven’t eaten in a while.
Repeated or unexplained dizziness is different.
“Dizziness can mean a lot of different things, which is why the pattern matters,” Dr. Syed says. “If it’s new, keeps happening or comes with symptoms like fainting, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it.”
Dizziness can accompany a range of conditions, including some cardiovascular problems.
> Related: Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Stand Up?
Pay attention to what’s unusual for you
You don’t need to call your doctor every time you sneeze this fall.
Instead, pay attention to changes from your normal.
“Your doctor doesn’t expect you to know exactly what’s causing a symptom before you make an appointment,” Dr. Syed says. “If something feels different, isn’t improving or keeps coming back, that’s enough reason to ask about it.”
Fall may explain why certain symptoms are more common, but it doesn’t mean you have to ignore them.
