Fighting Summer Allergies: Causes and Best Treatments

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Summer is finally here, and so are summer allergies. When you think that spring allergies are over, summer allergies tag along. Seasonal allergies affect millions of people worldwide. If you’re one of the unfortunate individuals who live with allergies, this season may not be the best for you. But, you can still enjoy the summertime without worrying about triggering allergic reactions. The key is to identify the causes of your allergies. 

This article will focus on understanding summer allergies and their best treatments. We’ll highlight the allergens that cause allergies and provide you with management tips. So, if you’re ready to have fun this summer, let’s begin.     

Allergy

An allergy begins when your immune system overreacts to normal proteins. It attacks these normal proteins like harmful compounds, causing sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat, etc. Allergens are the culprits in causing allergic reactions. Below are the different allergens that trigger allergies during the summer season.

Causes of Summer Allergies

Grass Pollen Allergen

Grass produces fine dust called pollen. These grass pollen are probably the most common cause of summer allergies worldwide. Grass allergens are airborne, making them easy for us to inhale without noticing. They could cling onto your clothes or the fur of your pets. 

The symptoms include:

  • Congested or runny nose
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Blocked sinuses
  • Itchy eyes or throat
  • Watering, red eyes 
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing

Here are the species of grass/weeds that produce more pollens:

  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Johnsongrass
  • Timothy grass
  • Orchardgrass
  • Sweet vernal grass
  • Bermuda grass
  • Ragweed
  • Cockleweed
  • Pigweed
  • Russian thistle
  • Sagebrush
  • Tumbleweed

Tree Pollen Allergen

Tree pollens thrive during the warmer days of summer. Like the grass pollen, they are also airborne. Therefore, they travel unseen in the air. Here are the types of trees that release large pollen amounts:

  • Willow pollen
  • Poplar pollen
  • Hazel pollen
  • Oak pollen
  • Lime pollen
  • Plane pollen
  • Yew pollen
  • Ash pollen
  • Alder pollen
  • Pine pollen
  • Birch Pollen
  • Elm pollen

Fruits and Vegetables

Some fruits and vegetables that grow in the summer contain proteins similar to allergens that could trigger allergic reactions. People with this type of allergy have Oral Allergy Syndrome or Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome. 

Here’s a list of what to watch out for:

Grass pollens: 

  • Celery
  • Melons
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Tomato

Ragweed pollens:

  • Cucumber
  • Melons
  • Banana
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Zucchini

Birch pollen: 

  • Plum
  • Peach
  • Cherry
  • Kiwi
  • Pear
  • Almond
  • Hazelnut
  • Celery
  • Apple
  • Carrot

Insects

Some insects are more active during summer. Insect bite or sting allergies can range from mild to severe. If you get stung or bitten and have a severe allergic reaction like dizziness or difficulty breathing, it’s best to go to the emergency room as soon as possible. 

Watch out for:

  • Bees
  • Wasps 
  • Yellowjackets 
  • Hornets 
  • Fire ants

Air Pollution

Air pollutants can make your summer allergies worst. But the most common cause of allergic reactions is ozone at ground level. Summer’s warm breeze quickens ground-level ozone build-up. What’s more, a combination of air pollutants and chemicals from factories makes the situation worse.

Molds

Mold build-up during the summer fills the air with mold spores. It is terrible for people with mold allergies, especially when inhaled in enclosed areas within the house. The symptoms differ from person to person. In addition, it could trigger an asthma attack as well.  

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic insects that typically peak during warmer seasons. They thrive in bed sheets, pillowcases, carpets, and clothes. Like mold allergies, dust mites could also trigger asthma symptoms.

Common Summer Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of summer allergies are similar to what you may experience in spring allergies. Here’s a list of the signs of summer allergies.

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Itchy eyes/ nose
  • Dark circles under your eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Summer sore throat

Treatment

The treatment for hot weather allergies is the same as treating other allergy symptoms. Here’s how

Medication

Medication includes over-the-counter medicines like

  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Eye drops
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays
  • Nasal spray decongestants

If the OTC meds didn’t work, allergists typically recommend prescription drugs. These include

Tips to Manage Allergies During Summertime

Here’s a compilation of the simple ways to combat allergies.

Allergy forecast.

Watch your local allergy forecast to stay ahead of your allergies.

Pollen count.

Stay indoors when the summer pollen count is high.

Keep your indoor air clean. 

Pollen could enter your house unseen quickly. Keep your doors and windows closed to keep them outside. 

Shower when you get home.

Pollen and other types of allergens can cling to your clothing or skin. Take a shower when you come from outside your house to minimize the risks of triggering an allergic reaction. In addition, wash the clothes you wore once you’re inside the house. Regular washing of bed sheets and pillowcases works too. 

Wear a facemask when you’re outside.

Wearing a facemask protects you from allergens and the COVID-19 virus too. 

Final Thoughts

Learning what triggers your allergies reduces the risks of experiencing allergic reactions. A little research could help you manage your allergies. What’s more, boosting your immune system is one of the best ways to deal with allergies.

Breathe Through Summer Allergies with Ease

Effective allergy management starts with accurate testing and diagnosis. At Brazos Valley Allergy and Asthma Clinics, you can rest assured that you’re getting precision allergy testing and quality treatment. 

Our allergists have years of experience providing top-quality allergy treatment based on proven methods. If you want to experience safe and efficient allergy management this summer, call 979-485- 9287 today. You can also look for a clinic near you by clicking this link

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