Summer allergies can put a damper on your outdoor plans.
As flowers bloom and the warm, humid weather fosters mold growth, numerous individuals find themselves grabbing for tissues throughout June, July, and August.
Allergies can develop for various reasons at any time of the year. Some are seasonal, with symptoms that correlate with specific times of the year, while perennial allergies can occur year-round, often triggered by indoor allergens like dust.
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This guide covers everything you should know about the seasonal allergies you may face in the summer and the treatments available, allowing you to relish those long sunny days.
- What causes my summer allergies to be so intense?
- What symptoms should I expect from summer allergies?
- When is it necessary to consult a doctor regarding my summer allergies?
- What remedies are effective for summer allergies?
- How can I tell if I have a cold or allergies?
Don’t let allergy symptoms ruin your summer enjoyment. Discover common triggers and ways to alleviate your symptoms. (iStock)
1. What causes my summer allergies to be so intense?
Numerous factors can trigger summer allergies, with grass pollen being a prevalent cause during June and July, as noted by Yale Medicine. In late summer and fall, mold and ragweed tend to be common triggers.
With increased insect activity in the summer, bites, particularly from mosquitoes, become more frequent, potentially leading to allergy symptoms such as itching and redness depending on individual reaction severity.
Perennial allergies, however, are not limited to summer. These symptoms may appear throughout the year when exposed to specific allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold, as indicated by Yale Medicine.
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If you notice your allergies are not seasonal, you may be dealing with perennial allergies.
2. What symptoms should I expect from summer allergies?
Individuals may experience a variety of symptoms due to allergies.
You might exhibit all or merely a selection of these symptoms.
Allergic reactions can lead to various symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes. (iStock)
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, these symptoms arise when allergens are inhaled through the nose and lungs. An allergic response can also occur when allergens are ingested, injected (like insect bites), or absorbed through the skin.
Typical symptoms of seasonal allergies include itchy, watery eyes, an itchy throat, and a stuffy or runny nose, as per Yale Medicine.
3. When is it necessary to consult a doctor regarding my summer allergies?
It’s advisable to see a doctor for summer allergies if your symptoms persist for an extended period.
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If over-the-counter medications are ineffective, consulting a medical professional may be the next step.
Many allergy cases can be managed independently, but severe cases may require professional intervention.
Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify the allergens causing your reactions, allowing both of you to devise an effective treatment plan together.
If home remedies and over-the-counter medications haven’t alleviated your allergy symptoms, it might be time to consult a doctor. (iStock)
This may involve immunotherapy, often administered through allergy shots or a prescription medication to alleviate symptoms.
4. What remedies are effective for summer allergies?
Fortunately, there are various strategies you can employ to manage summer allergies effectively. If you are aware of when your symptoms typically surface, you can take preventative measures.
After being outside, take a shower and change your clothes to remove any accumulated pollen. It’s also wise to wash your sheets and blankets regularly.
Make it a routine to check local pollen counts, which are often included in weather forecasts.
If a high pollen count is predicted, it might be best to postpone mowing the lawn or spending prolonged periods in the garden.
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Additionally, be cautious on windy days as they can exacerbate pollen levels in the air.
Avoid hanging laundry outside since pollen could adhere to it, causing issues later.
Maintaining clean indoor air using a dehumidifier or air conditioner is equally important.
Numerous allergy medications are available for those suffering from summer allergies.
Help minimize your allergy symptoms by thoroughly washing clothes after spending time outdoors. (iStock)
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra can aid in relieving symptoms.
Nasal sprays and decongestants may also provide relief.
5. How can I tell if I have a cold or allergies?
The symptoms of a cold can often resemble those of allergies, making it challenging to determine what you’re dealing with and how to recover.
There are distinguishing factors, such as the presence of a fever, which may occur with a cold but never with allergies, as stated by the Mayo Clinic.
A sore throat and cough are common symptoms associated with colds, but these are more infrequent in cases of allergies, according to the source.
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Additionally, the duration of a cold is typically shorter than that of allergy symptoms, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
Keep track of your key symptoms and their duration to help distinguish between a cold and allergies.
