With over 60 million Americans suffering from asthma and allergies, summer allergies are difficult to escape. While pollen counts are usually high during the spring and dissipate during the early part of summer, changes in weather can elevate allergy symptoms, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. For some people, allergies can be just as bad during the summer, as it is during the fall and spring seasons. Summer allergies can really put a damper on your outdoor plans unless, of course, you know how to deal with them.
What Can I Do About Summer Allergies?
• Check your local weather network daily for the local allergen report. By doing so, you can plan your day more efficiently and increase your chances of defending yourself from allergens. If the counts are expected to be high that day, you can take the needed precautions by taking allergy medication, or by staying inside.
• The summer sun is intense, and you may be tempted to save on your electricity bill by putting your laundry out to dry in the summer sun. While this can be an eco-friendly option, if you have allergies, your laundry will likely become a haven of pollen. Pollen will cling to your wet laundry as it dries, which will lead it back into your home.
• During the summer, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables can actually contribute to your summer allergies. While the culprit is usually not the food itself, melons, peaches, and other seasonal foods can trigger your allergies. A cross-reaction can occur due to the similar proteins found in these foods and those that are found in grass and pollen.
• Another way to keep the summer allergies at bay is to keep your windows closed. While opening your windows in your home and car can feel wonderful, if you are having issues with allergies, this is something you should avoid doing. By leaving the windows open, you are practically inviting the pollen inside your home and car, since the wind can carry it in.
• If you have a lawn, it needs to be mowed. However, if you are allergic to grass, it is not recommended to cut your own grass. If you are not able to hire a landscaping company to tend to your yard, try to get another family member to cut the grass. If both options are not viable, and you must mow your own lawn, take allergy medication before cutting the grass, and wear a face mask.
Allergies can strike at any age and during any point of the year. If you are sniffling and sneezing and would like some relief, visit a certified allergist to get tested. By going to an allergist for proper testing, you can get the correct diagnosis and learn your treatment options so you can enjoy the summer sun without the sniffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer allergies can still occur because changes in weather can elevate allergy symptoms, and certain summer-related factors like heat and specific pollens can trigger allergic reactions similar to those experienced in spring or fall. Additionally, cross-reactions with seasonal fruits and vegetables can contribute to allergy symptoms.
By checking the local allergen report daily, you can plan your activities and take preventive measures like staying indoors or taking allergy medications on high allergen days. This proactive approach helps reduce exposure to allergens and manage symptoms effectively.
Hanging laundry outside to dry can cause pollen to stick to your wet clothes and linens. When you bring this laundry inside, you effectively introduce allergens into your home, which can worsen allergy symptoms.
Yes, certain seasonal fruits like melons and peaches can trigger allergy symptoms due to cross-reactivity. The proteins in these foods resemble those in grass and pollen, which can cause your immune system to react and worsen allergy symptoms.
Keeping windows closed during the summer helps prevent pollen from entering your home and car. Although opening windows may feel refreshing, it can increase exposure to airborne allergens and exacerbate allergy symptoms.
If you have grass allergies, it’s best to avoid mowing the lawn yourself. If that’s not possible, take allergy medication beforehand and wear a face mask to minimize pollen inhalation while mowing the grass.
If you experience persistent sneezing, sniffling, or other allergy symptoms during summer, visiting a certified allergist can help. An allergist can perform tests to accurately diagnose your allergies and recommend effective treatment options to improve your quality of life.