Summer Allergies

Summer Allergies Overview

As spring starts to fade away and heat blazes, people suffering from spring allergies would start getting some relief. But that’s not all. Various summer allergies flare up with the heat. Same allergens as in fall or spring may cause summer allergies too, and the symptoms associated with summer allergies can be just as severe as in the spring and fall seasons.

 The seasonal allergy or hay fever may cause eye irritation, nasal irritation, respiratory irritation, skin irritation, or digestive irritation, depending on the individual. Summer allergies are triggered during the late spring from early May until the advent of fall.

Causes of Summer Allergies

Trees are done with their pollen promotions during the springs or by late spring. So usually, grasses and weeds are left to trigger summer allergies. There are different types of plants that most likely make you sneeze and sniffle in summers. These plants include:

Weeds:

• Ragweed
• Cockleweed
• Pigweed
• Russian thistle
• Sagebrush
• Tumbleweed

Grasses

• Bermuda
• Blue grasses
• Orchard
• Red top
• Sweet vernal
• Timothy

Ragweed is one of the most common allergy causes in the summer. When the wind blows, it can reach hundreds of miles. Even if it doesn’t grow where you live, it may make you feel bad if you’re allergic to it.

Worst Smog In Summer

Air pollution during the summer months can intensify your symptoms. The most common is the ground level ozone layer. Smog appears from the mixture of sunlight and chemicals in atmosphere from the city traffic. Ozone clouds start to appear in some cities due to powerful sunshine and calm winds.

Stinging Creatures Are More Active

When stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, fire ants, and other insects, get active, allergic reactions may occur. A run-in with one of them could result in a life-threatening situation if you have some serious allergy with them.

These insects may cause some mild symptoms like itching and inflammation around the area. But sometimes they may lead to allergic reactions that are too severe to survive. Your tounge might swell and throat would feel sharp pain. Some people may feel dizzy, pass out or go into a shock like situation. These conditions may need emergency assistance and you’d need to get instant medical help.

Warm Air Encourages The Growth Of Tiny Organisms

Mold thrives in humid and warm environments, such as the basement and toilets. Their spores float around in the air, triggering an allergic reaction.

Dust mites, which are microscopic insects, are most active in the summer causing dust allergy. They prefer wet, humid environments and build their nests in beds, fabrics, and carpets. Nasal irritation, respiratory irritation, or eye irritation may be triggered by their residue in the air.

Symptoms of Summer Allergies

They are pretty much the same as would have suffered in spring already.

• Irritation in eyes, nose, ears, and mouth
• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Sneezing and nose irritation
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose due to congestion

• Skin irritation/allergy
• Puffy eyes
• Post-nasal drip, a sensation of mucus dripping at the back of the throat
• Some may get hives
• Coughing, wheezing, or respiration irritation

How Are Summer Allergies Analyzed

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as your allergy background. They can make suitable treatment plans for you.

They can also refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in allergy treatment for a skin test. A small area on your arm or back will be exposed to a tiny sample of allergen by this allergist. A small red bump can appear if you respond. Allergies can also be identified using a blood test.

Treatment of Summer Allergies

Summer allergy treatment includes medications as well as some home remedies. Let us have a look into these:

Medication

There are various over-the-counter or prescribed medications available to treat summer allergy symptoms.

Antihistamines: These are used to relieve symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes and nose, runny nose, and sneezing. These may be available in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, or liquid.

Corticosteroids: These are considered the most effective medications for allergic rhinitis. It helps by reducing inflammation and may be used as a nasal spray, inhaler, or pills.

Decongestants: These minimize stuffiness by shrinking the lining of the nasal passages. Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, drops, and nasal sprays. Long-term use may have negative consequences.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists: These are tablets that block the action of various chemicals that cause allergic reactions in people.

Eye drops: Eye drops may be used for treating eye allergies due to grass weeds and smog. They can provide temporary relief from redness, itchiness, and swelling in the eyes.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a long-term cure that helps to soothe people from allergies. Physicians can use immunotherapy to treat patients who are experiencing side effects or who are getting little to no benefit from medications.

Allergy shots and sublingual tablets are two forms of immunotherapy. These allergy shots are given for up to 3 to 5 years. It provides resistance from allergens. Sublingual tablets can handle only a few forms of allergies. The affected person may be taking the pills that dissolve under their tongue from spring to the leading months.

Home Remedies

Natural or home remedies may bring comfort to people suffering from summer allergies. These remedies may include:

Steam inhalation

Inhaling steam can open up the nasal passages and soothe people from allergic rhinitis symptoms. If you don’t have a steamer, you can place a container of boiling water on the table. Cover your head, face, and container with a towel and inhale the steam.

Saline solution

Using saline rinse relieves stuffy nose and congestion by removing extra mucus from the nasal passage. This solution can also wash out allergens from the nose and sinuses. You can get various saline solutions without a prescription.

Conclusion

Summer allergies may cause severe allergic reactions. However, if proper prevention and precautions are considered, one may be able to reduce the symptoms. Try to stay indoors and avoid exposure to air pollution and foreign stimulants. Once an attacked occurs, you should consult your doctor and use proper medications to avoid serious health conditions.

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (April 16, 2021)

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Last Updated on July 5, 2023