Summers and the chances of getting hit with heat-related illnesses are here. The summer season is widely recognised as the dreaded allergy season due to the exceptionally high temperatures that give rise to mould growth, causing itching, watery eyes, running nose, and much more. These factors combine with hot temperatures, creating a challenging time for allergy sufferers amid the joy of summer.

However, avoiding simple yet effective measures can help you avoid allergens and lead a disease-free and joyful summertime! So, if you are keen on knowing more about summer allergies and solutions, then keep reading to discover the symptoms to recognise and disease at an early stage and practical tips that will help you get rid of the allergies before they impact your daily activities and health.

Causes of Summer Allergies

Summer allergies are mainly caused due to increased airborne substances entering our bodies. Here are some of the most common causes of summer allergies:

Elevated Humidity: Increased summer humidity provides an ideal environment for mould growth, often recognised as a common trigger for allergies.
Increased Pollen Levels: Warm temperatures often cause the growth of pollen from plants, trees, and flowers, making allergies worse.
Increased Insect Activity: During summers, insect activities such as bites and stings get heightened, triggering allergic reactions.
Seasonal Allergen Cycle: Various environmental factors can result in seasonal fluctuations in allergen levels, impacting summer allergies.
Increased Outdoor Activities: Increased outdoor activities lead to a greater concentration of allergens such as pollens, insect bites, and mould spores.
Indoor Allergen Exposure: Air conditioners and keeping windows for prolonged hours can introduce outdoor allergens and aggravate symptoms for sensitive individuals.

Symptoms of Summer Allergies

Summer allergies can appear in the following ways:

Coughing: Persistent coughing can be a common symptom of summer allergies due to intense irritation from the allergens outside.
Fatigue: It is another common side effect of summer allergies. It causes lethargy and fatigue and disrupts overall energy levels.
Itchy, Watery Eyes: Allergens such as pollen can cause itchy, watery eyes and trigger allergic conjunctivitis, which causes redness, itching, and excessive tearing of the eyes.
Scratchy Throat: Allergic reactions can cause postnasal drip, which can result in an irritating, soar, and itchy throat.
Running Nose: A running or congested nose is caused by allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
Shortness of Breath: During heightened allergen exposure, individuals with allergic asthma may experience worsening symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Skin Irritation: Allergic reactions caused by insect bites or contact with certain plants can cause skin symptoms such as hives, redness, itching, and eczema flare-ups.
Headache: Intense pressure from allergen rhinitis or sinus congestion can trigger headaches or migraines in specific individuals.
Difficulty Sleeping: Nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, or itching caused by allergens can disrupt sleep and result in poor sleep quality.

Solutions for Summer Allergies

Managing summer allergies requires a careful, multifaceted approach to minimise exposure to allergens. Here are a few tried and tested solutions to deal with summer allergies:

Over-the-counter medications: Allergy or prescription antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays, and decongestants can help alleviate the symptoms.
Allergen-proofing your home: Using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, along with regular cleaning of the curtains and carpets, can reduce indoor allergen concentration.
HEPA Filters: You can use air conditioners with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air filters) to improve air quality and reduce exposure to indoor allergens.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): Individuals with severe allergies can get allergen immunotherapy to desensitise the immune system to specific allergens over time.
Nasal Irrigation: Effective saline nasal rinses and neti pots can help flush out allergens from the nasal passages and reduce sinus and congestion symptoms.
Allergy-friendly Travel: During the peak allergy season, individuals can carry their allergy medications and choose accommodations with hypoallergenic features.

Conclusion

Dealing with summer allergies can be discomforting and irritating. Following preventive tips for minimising exposure to allergens and other harmful airborne particles is advisable. Additionally, wearing sunglasses and full-sleeved clothes can help avoid insect bites and pollen particles in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Allergies

Q1. What are the allergies in early summer?
A1. Grass pollen is a late spring and early summer allergy that affects various individuals.

Q2. How do you stop summer allergies?
A2. You can stop summer allergies by minimising exposure to pollens by following proactive measures such as wearing glasses, full-sleeved clothes and hats.

Q3. How long do summer allergies last?
A3. Summer allergies can last throughout the season. However, the allergies may depend on individual variability and sensitivity in some individuals.

Q4. How can I cure my allergies naturally?
A4. You can naturally cure allergies using remedies like saline nasal rinses, local honey consumptions, and herbal supplements.

Q5. What is the most allergic season?
A5. Late spring and early summer is the most allergic season of the year.