Summer allergies can put a damper on your plans.
June, July and August have many of us reaching for tissue paper as flowers bloom and the warm, humid weather causes mold to develop.
Allergies can occur all year round for a variety of reasons. Seasonal allergies result from symptoms associated with the season, while perennial allergies are caused by indoor allergens such as dust and can occur at any time of the year.
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Here’s everything you need to know about seasonal allergies that can occur during the summer and how to treat them so you can enjoy long days in the sun.
- Why do allergies get worse in the summer?
- What are the symptoms of summer allergies?
- When should I see a doctor about summer allergies?
- What helps with summer allergies?
- How do I know if I have a cold or allergies?
Don’t let allergy symptoms ruin your summer fun: Learn about common triggers and ways to relieve symptoms. (iStock)
1. Why do allergies get worse in the summer?
Summer allergies can be caused by a variety of things, but according to the Yale School of Medicine, one of the most common culprits in June and July is grass pollen, while mold and ragweed are common culprits in late summer and fall.
As insects are more active in the summer, bites, mainly from mosquitoes, become more common and can cause allergic symptoms such as itching and redness depending on the severity of an individual’s allergic reaction to the bites.
Perennial allergies aren’t just a summertime occurrence. Rather, according to the Yale School of Medicine, symptoms of perennial allergies occur continuously throughout the year when you’re exposed to certain allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
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If you notice that your allergy symptoms aren’t limited to a specific season, you may have year-round allergies.
2. What are the symptoms of summer allergies?
If you have allergies, you may experience a variety of symptoms.
You may experience all or only some of your allergy symptoms.
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including itchy and watery eyes. (iStock)
These symptoms can occur when allergens are inhaled through the nose or lungs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Sources also say that allergens can also cause an allergic reaction when they are ingested, injected into the body (like insect bites), or absorbed through the skin.
According to the Yale School of Medicine, common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies include itchy, watery eyes, a scratchy throat and a stuffy, runny nose.
3. When should I see a doctor about summer allergies?
If symptoms persist, you should see a doctor for summer allergies.
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If over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, it may be time to see a doctor.
While many cases can be treated and diagnosed by yourself, some severe cases require the help of a medical professional.
You may need to get allergy testing to identify which allergens are affecting you, and then you and your doctor can work together to find the best treatment for you.
If you’ve tried home remedies and over-the-counter medications to relieve your allergy symptoms and they don’t work, it may be time to see a doctor. (iStock)
This could mean immunotherapy, which usually comes in the form of allergy injections and prescription medications to treat symptoms.
4. What helps with summer allergies?
Luckily, there are things you can do to treat summer allergies, and if you know when your allergies are likely to kick in, there are some things you can actually do before the symptoms appear.
After going outside, take a shower and change your clothes to wash off any pollen that may be on your body. Also, be sure to wash your sheets and blankets frequently.
Additionally, get into the habit of checking local pollen levels, which can be found in the weather forecast.
If high pollen counts are predicted for a particular day, it may not be the ideal time to mow the lawn or spend hours working in the yard.
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Also, be aware that windy days can make pollen in the air worse.
Avoid drying your laundry outside as pollen can get on your laundry and cause problems later.
It is also important to keep the air in your home clean by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
For those who suffer from summer allergies, there are plenty of anti-allergy medications readily available.
To reduce allergy symptoms, wash your clothes thoroughly after being outdoors. (iStock)
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra can help you breathe easier.
There are also nasal sprays and decongestants available.
5. How do I know if I have a cold or allergies?
Cold symptoms can be very similar to allergy symptoms, making it difficult to determine what you’re experiencing and how to deal with it to feel better.
There are some key symptoms that are more likely to appear with a cold than with seasonal allergies: For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, a cold can cause a fever, whereas allergies never do.
Additionally, while a sore throat and cough are common with a cold, they are much rarer with allergies, sources say.
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And according to the Mayo Clinic, colds usually last for less time than allergies.
Keeping a record of your main symptoms and how long they last can help you determine whether you have a cold or allergies.
