Summer is a controversial season. Many people love the bright blue skies, glorious sunshine, and warm weather, while other people hate summer. One of the most common reasons to dislike summer, other than the heat, is seasonal allergies. If you’ve noticed personal health problems during the summer, they may be due to some of the most common summer allergies. Keep reading to learn what they are and how to protect yourself.
Pollen From Weeds, Grasses, Trees
Plants love summertime. After spending a wet spring drinking up rain, they thrive under the hot summer sun. However, their thriving can mean our suffering. Weeds like ragweed and sagebrush release a lot of pollen during the summer; grasses such as red top and timothy grass do the same, and trees like olive and willow even get in on the pollen action. As this pollen fills the air, it can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Therefore, you should try to stay inside on days with high pollen counts and discuss allergy medication with your doctor if you need more symptom relief.
Insect Bites and Stings
Plants aren’t the only part of nature that thrives in the summer. All types of insects come out to enjoy the warm temperatures, and sometimes, they decide to enjoy humans as well. But we don’t enjoy them, and some people are allergic to the bites and stings of certain insects. A severe allergy to things like bee stings and fire ant bites could cause someone to stop breathing if one of those bugs were to make contact. If you suspect you have this type of allergy, ask your doctor for an epinephrine auto-injector prescription. People with less severe insect allergies can take over-the-counter medications to help mitigate the effects of a bite or sting.
Mold From Humid Air
Mold thrives in dark, warm places. All the humid summer air can cause mold to develop in or around your home. However, picking the right furniture can help with allergies inside your home, such as choosing a hypoallergenic mattress. Regularly cleaning your home can also help. Outside, you can wear a face covering so you don’t breathe mold in as you perform outdoor work. And consider showering after going outside so you don’t bring mold into your home. If these cleanliness ideas don’t help, you could discuss over-the-counter or prescription medication with your doctor.
The most common seasonal allergies are pollen, insects, and mold. Some people can also experience an allergic reaction when eating summer fruits and vegetables. No matter what you’re allergic to or when those allergens appear, you can use face masks and medication to manage most mild allergy symptoms.