Summer Allergies: Summer is often considered to be an excellent season for outdoor activities. People make plans to have fun, go on vacations, and gather with friends and family. However, this is not the case for some. It is the most challenging period for those who suffer from allergies because allergies flare up during this season. This can make it difficult for them to enjoy the summer activities fully. People who suffer from allergies may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, throat, and runny nose and eyes.
However, there are measures you can take to avoid these allergies and enjoy summer. This post will discuss some management tips for allergies. After that, you can easily tackle the summer allergies.
What are allergies?
When a person comes into contact with a substance to which he is allergic, it is called an allergen; your immune system treats it as an intruder. This happens naturally when you become sensitized to something present in the environment. Sometimes, allergies cause minor symptoms like irritation, while others can experience symptoms like anaphylaxis.
Here are the typical seasonal allergy signs
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Runny nose and eyes
- Fatigue
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat
- Coughing
- Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
What are summer allergies?
During summertime, pollen from grasses and weeds causes allergies. Summer allergies begin in June and last until September, peaking in June and July. The timing of the allergies can vary because of different geographical locations. Different locations have different effects on allergies, as they are triggered by climate.
Here are some of the summer allergies listed.
- Sneezing
- Runny nose (thin, clear discharge)
- Stuffy nose or congestion
- Red, watery or swollen eyes
- Mucus that runs down your throat
- Itchy eyes, ears, nose or mouth
- Swelling around the affected area
- Coughing
- Painful or itchy rash (e.g., hives)
- Tenderness
- Irritation or
Causes & Symptoms of Summer Allergies?
Summer has long, sunny days, during which people head towards gardens, parks, adventure places, riding, and sports. Typical symptoms such as pollen, mold, and insect stings are activated during this period.
Tree pollen
Tree pollen is an allergy which is connected to a tree’s pollen. Pollen is a fine powder produced by the male part of the tree. The wind picks the powder and spreads it around to fertilize the females for reproduction. When this happens, it spreads into the air, blows into open windows, and lands on us. Then, for people who have an allergy to it, their symptoms can be triggered.
Grass pollen
Like trees, grass pollen is a dust-powder-like substance produced by pollen particles. The wind spreads this substance all around. When it lands on a person who is allergic to it, his allergy becomes triggered. Grass pollen causes a common allergy called seasonal allergy.
Mold
Mold is a fungus that produces spores that spread in the atmosphere. When moisture is present, mold can grow anywhere. If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in an open environment. A mold allergy can cause itchy skin or rash, watery eyes, runny noses, and other symptoms. Mold is also a typical cause of asthma symptoms. Signs which are caused by mold allergy are listed below.
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Cough and postnasal drip
- Dry, scaly skin
There are many molds, but not all molds cause allergies. Some of those molds are.
- Cladosporium
- Alternaria
- Penicillium
- Aspergillus
Ragweed
Ragweed plants grow anywhere. It is trigger for rhinitis (hay fever). Their pollen floats through the air and infects people who are allergic to it. Ragweed allergy starts in August and ends in mid-October. It is dangerous when the nights are cool and the days are warm. Ragweed allergy has these common signs.
- Weakness or fatigue
- Hives on the skin
- Watery, itchy or irritated eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose with thin, water discharge
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Coughing
Mugwort
Mugwort is a perennial weed that grows in forested areas, waste areas, lawns, roadsides, and coasts. It produces a large amount of pollen, which harms pollen-sensitized people. It can also trigger allergies such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and conjunctivitis.
Here are the signs of mugwort.
- Allergic rash
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Asthma
- Headaches
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Congestion
Management Tips
Limit contact with outdoor allergens
Limit your outside activities when the pollen season is at its peak. Make sure to close your doors and windows during the early summer and at the end of summer because these allergies are in the air. They can enter your house through the air, so even if you do not go out, they can harm you this way.
Wear a face covering and long-sleeved Clothes
Cover your face with a mask whenever you go out so the allergy cannot land on your face or go inside your nose or eyes. Wear long-sleeved clothes to avoid physical touch with allergies like grass or ragweed.
Shower after going outdoors
Taking a shower and wearing fresh clothes when you come from outside is necessary because allergies can attach to your body as they are spread in the air. Use proper antibacterial soap to remove these allergies.
Take an antihistamine
Antihistamines are medicines often used to treat allergies such as hives, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. When taking your medicines, follow the advice of your pharmacist or doctor.
Speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options
Call medical attention if first aid treatment does not control your allergies. Discuss your allergy issues with your doctor to get rid of them.
Conclusion:
There are a variety of seasonal allergies; if you’re sensitive to allergies, then they can trigger your allergy. Summer allergies are one of them. They occur in the early and late summer. Correctly understanding these allergies and their signs can make your situation handleable. Use appropriate precautions to tackle them. If they get worse, contact your doctor for help. All the details about summer allergies are discussed. Go through it to understand your allergy.