The Most Common Summer Allergies and How to Prevent Them

Here at Family Allergy and Asthma, we know just how difficult it can be to fight summer allergies, especially now that we have spent the last few years in a global pandemic where any sign of cough, congestion, or a sore throat can be a symptom of something worse.

Though circumstances change over time, most summer allergies remain constant, which is a bad and good thing. Bad, because untreated recurrent seasonal allergies can develop into sinus infections. Good, because you can take the same tried-and-true preventative measures that have helped our many patients overcome their summer allergies over the years.

But first, you should know about the most common summer allergies, and their effects.

The Most Common Summer Allergies

Grass, though it is so ubiquitous in the Kentuckiana area, is a common allergen for a fair deal of people, though, to be more specific, it is grass pollen, rather than grass blades themselves, that cause allergic reactions. An allergy to grass pollen causes allergic rhinitis.

Mold is also one of the most common culprits for summer allergies. Though mold is certainly a year-round allergen, outdoor mold is at its strongest during the summer for various reasons, such as increased humidity and condensation-created moisture.

Insect stings are another common culprit for your allergies. Summer is the biggest season for insect stings and bites, and that is because the warm weather is favored by bees, mosquitoes, wasps, fleas—you name it.

And that is just scratching the surface. Ragweed, summer fruits and vegetables, nettle, mugwort, and more all contribute to your symptoms.

Common Summer Allergy Symptoms

No matter what the allergy, what most people experience are itchy noses and eyes (your eyes may also get watery and red), sneezing, and congestion.

Other allergy symptoms are dark circles appearing under your eyes, headaches, fatigue and even snoring.

A common allergic reaction to an insect sting is swelling, pain, and redness around the sting site. A larger reaction would be the symptoms expanding to a larger area, for example a sting on your arm could cause your whole arm to swell. A systemic allergic reaction is a serious reaction that requires medical attention and affects multiple body systems, causing a drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, as well as swelling and hives.

How to Prevent Summer Allergies

Washing your hair thoroughly is a big deal in the summer, as pollen can get stuck in your hair and, in turn, spread around the many items in your home. Frequently washing your sheets can also reduce the likelihood of eliminating any allergens that you may have carried into your home from outside.

To prevent issues like mold and insect infestations, be sure to inspect your home frequently for any leaks, condensation, and general moisture. Keeping the temperature in your homes low is also helpful, as that can also lower the number of insects and dust mites that are attracted to warmer temperatures. Speaking of dust mites, be sure to dust your home frequently, as summer is the season where dust mites are most active.

Lastly, if you think you are suffering from allergies, be sure to reach out to an allergist to get any medicine or treatment that can reduce your symptoms.

Get Expert Allergy Treatment Today!

Many people brush off allergies, and some do not even realize that they are suffering from allergies despite feeling fatigued, out of breath, or runny-nosed during the summer months.

If you have been suffering from any of these symptoms, then do not hesitate to reach out to Family Allergy and Asthma to get the treatment you need from our board-certified allergists and experienced team.