For the southern and midwest regions of the united states, the weather heating up warns of the approach of summer. Summertime covers the peak of allergy season, which starts in spring, until the very beginning of fall allergies. Even though season allergies a typically associated with spring and autumn, summertime allergies can be just as bad for some, if not worse. Depending on what you are allergic to will determine just how bad it is for you this summer. To help lessen the effects, we have put together this summer allergy guide to help you get the most out of the summer months.
Summer Allergy Guide: How to Deal with Summertime Allergy Symptoms
The Difference Between Allergies and a Summer Cold
Seasonal allergies and colds or the flu can share many symptoms, such as runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. Like a cold infection, allergies can cause post-nasal drip, creating the same symptoms. The significant differences are reoccurrence; colds or the flu may happen only a few times a year, while allergies will be triggered anytime you are exposed to allergens. The other big difference is fever and nausea, which are exclusive to colds and the flu.
Reducing or Stopping Allergy Attacks
The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens altogether. However, this can be almost impossible if you do not have an acuate assessment of what you are allergic to; this can be made harder by the fact that as we age or allergies and sensitivities can change over time. If you have had attacks that have worsened over time or are lasting for longer than one to two weeks, we recommend getting an up-to-date allergy test to help find out what has changed. Once your allergies have been mapped, you can then take the steps needed to minimize exposure.
–Keep track of local pollen and mold spore counts
-Change air filters in your home regularly
-Pay attention to the humidity levels in the home
-Change your clothes and shower when coming in from activities outside or home from work.
-Close windows and doors to prevent contaminants from getting inside
-Regularly wash bedding, rugs, and vacuum carpets
Sometimes, like with mold and pollen, avoidance is impossible. In these cases, the best remedy might be medication to help manage symptoms or immunotherapy, which treats the allergy’s root cause; creating a tolerance helps lessen the severity of attacks or eliminate symptoms.
How Long Do Summer Allergies Last?
Depending on where you live and what you are allergic to, pollen and mold spores may not drop until the weather turns cold with the first frost of the winter. Checking the local forecasts will help give you a better idea of when relief will be in sight. The good news, however, is that medical advances in allergy research have had some important breakthroughs in immunotherapy. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the options available for your allergy sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer allergies and colds share symptoms like runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. However, allergies tend to recur whenever you're exposed to allergens, whereas colds or the flu occur a few times a year. Additionally, fever and nausea are common in colds and flu but not in allergies.
To reduce summer allergy attacks, it's important to identify your specific allergens, ideally through updated allergy testing. You can minimize exposure by tracking local pollen and mold spore counts, regularly changing air filters, maintaining proper indoor humidity levels, washing clothes and showering after outdoor activities, keeping windows and doors closed, and cleaning bedding and carpets frequently.
Allergies and sensitivities can change over time, and without an accurate assessment, avoiding allergens becomes difficult. If your allergy symptoms have worsened or persist for more than one to two weeks, getting an updated allergy test helps identify current triggers and tailor your prevention and treatment strategies effectively.
Summer allergies usually last until the weather cools with the first frost of winter, as pollen and mold spores remain prevalent during warm months. The duration depends on your location and the specific allergens affecting you. Checking local pollen forecasts can provide more precise timing for relief.
When avoiding allergens like mold and pollen is impossible, medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays can help manage symptoms. Immunotherapy is another treatment option that addresses the underlying cause by gradually increasing tolerance to allergens, potentially reducing symptom severity or eliminating them altogether. Consulting a doctor is recommended to explore these options.
Yes, monitoring local pollen and mold spore counts allows you to anticipate high-exposure days and take preventative actions such as staying indoors, closing windows, or using air purifiers. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the severity of allergy symptoms during peak times.
Immunotherapy works by gradually exposing your immune system to small amounts of allergens, building tolerance over time. This process can decrease the severity of allergic reactions or eliminate symptoms entirely, offering a long-term solution beyond symptom management.