How to Deal With Summer Allergy Season

Posted On June 27, 2022

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Summer allergy season can be debilitating, putting a damper on vacations and outdoor festivals. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists grass pollens and mold spores as two of the top allergens. Unlike pollen, mold spores are everywhere and outnumber pollen grains by far. Here are a few tips to help you deal with summer allergy symptoms.

Pollen

Summer is a common time for allergies to peak. In the North American region, spring allergy season can be especially bad, since inconspicuous plants don’t attract pollinators and release large amounts of pollen into the air. Wind carries this pollen into the environment. Because of the geographic complexity of climate change, it affects biological systems in various ways. Atmospheric water vapor suppresses warming in southern latitudes and boosts cloud cover, while the atmospheric CO2 accelerates the warming farther away from the equator.

While seasonal allergies are usually lumped into a single category, they’re actually distinct seasons, each with their own set of allergens. Here’s what you should be doing to minimize your exposure to seasonal allergens. As the pollen counts increase, try to limit your child’s outdoor activities during peak allergy seasons. And don’t forget to protect your children’s health by practicing a variety of allergy-busting techniques.

If you have a child who is prone to allergies, it’s a good idea to start taking controller medication and nasal sprays as early as possible. Some of these medicines work well only if taken regularly, so you should be sure your child’s allergy symptoms are diagnosed before the pollen season begins. For children, it’s also wise to visit their allergist and have them test their allergies before pollen season begins. Remember to change their clothes after outdoor activities. This helps to limit the amount of pollen that enters the home.

Mold spores

The rise in the number of mold spores is linked to a spike in summer allergy symptoms. On June 30, the mold spore count reached a high of around 30,000 spores. The numbers vary widely with changing weather conditions. However, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, mold spores can be an important factor in your symptoms. If you live in a damp or moldy area, it may be best to avoid exposure to these spores and seek medical treatment.

Molds that cause summer allergy symptoms are usually found outdoors. In the summer, grasses, weeds, and mold are common sources of allergens. Outdoor molds can increase your symptoms because they are very sensitive to weather conditions. For example, certain mold spores spread better in dry weather while others thrive in high humidity. Mugwort is a common summer allergen, containing proteins that cause allergic reactions.

The fungi Aspergillus and Penicillium are common in the air in the Delaware Valley. These spores can trigger severe allergic reactions in the sinuses and lungs. If you are concerned about the level of mold spores in your local environment, you can sign up for the Asthma Center’s Unusual Mold Alert. Dr. Dvorin conducts the official mold spore count in the Delaware Valley.

Mosquitoes

The summer is here, which means it’s time to start outdoor activities. However, summer also means an increase in mosquitoes. Even in Idaho, where the recent flooding has heightened the population, mosquitoes are a common problem. For people with a history of allergies, mosquito bites can trigger an itchy, rash. To avoid an allergic reaction, it’s important to learn how to minimize exposure.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in shallow, stagnant water. These can be found in birdbaths, children’s pools, or marshes. Female mosquitoes feed on human blood, which contains proteins necessary for developing eggs. The larvae of mosquitoes have long mouthparts that pierce the skin and feed on blood. In addition to sucking the blood, mosquitoes also secrete saliva.

It’s hard to know which type of mosquitoes will be active in the spring and summer. In Upstate South Carolina, mosquitoes are seasonal. In Charleston, they could become a year-round nuisance. If temperatures stay mild through the winter, mosquitoes won’t be out until the spring. It’s hard to predict the number of mosquitoes and their ability to carry diseases, but research has shown that pregnant women tend to be the least attractive to mosquitoes. The reason for this might be due to the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the abdomen.

Increased rainfall

This summer will see an increase in rainfall, and that means more pollen. Pollen is often green, so your porch and car will be covered in it. The pollen season lasts longer than normal and over-the-counter allergy medicine sales will skyrocket. But it’s not all bad news. The climate change effect is also causing more allergies. During this time of year, you’ll likely suffer from a heightened risk of allergy symptoms.

In addition to causing seasonal allergies, increased pollen levels will also have an impact on the economy. Around 30 percent of U.S. residents suffer from seasonal allergies, which has a significant impact on the economy. Not only do health-care costs rise, but also the amount of days people miss from work. This makes the impact of increased pollen levels on the environment and economy even greater. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Pollen particles can become airborne during the summer allergy season, and this will aggravate your symptoms. Pollen particles will become more dispersed during a sudden downpour, causing you to experience an allergic reaction. Furthermore, the dampness created by a storm can promote mold growth and dust mites to multiply, making your allergies worse. But there’s a silver lining. Even though increased rainfall during summer doesn’t cause an allergic reaction, it can worsen existing allergies.

Sun exposure

Although the warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, sun exposure during summer allergy season can worsen existing allergies. You may feel better if you slowly increase your exposure to the sun. Sun allergies may be triggered by sudden exposure, but gradual increases are better than abrupt ones. Wearing protective clothing is also an important step to prevent allergic reactions. Avoid clothing made of loose-woven materials, as these may allow UV rays to penetrate.

If you are allergic to the sun, you may experience a type of sun allergy called polymorphous light eruption. This condition affects approximately 20 percent of the world’s population. It can cause blistering skin and itchiness. Some sufferers experience hives or skin rashes that spread to covered areas. In severe cases, a person may even experience an eruptive episode or a more serious condition known as photoallergic dermatitis.

If you experience sun allergies during the summer allergy season, limit your time outdoors during the peak hours of the day. In parts of the continental United, the sun is at its strongest during these hours. Use sunglasses with ultraviolet protection, long-sleeved clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunlight may also cause an allergic eruption if you take certain antibiotics. If you suspect that you might be prone to a photoallergic reaction, discuss your condition with your doctor and take precautions accordingly.

Over-the-counter decongestants

When it comes to summer allergy season, over-the-counter decongestants can be a welcome relief for those suffering from stuffy nose and congestion. Many decongestants, such as Sudafed and oxymetazoline nasal spray, work by soothing nasal congestion and opening airways. These medications are often recommended in conjunction with antihistamines, which treat symptoms but do not treat the cause of congestion. Pseudoephedrine nasal sprays, which are also available without a prescription, can be used in the same manner.

Environmental allergies are common in the United States, particularly in the spring and early summer. Pollen from trees, for example, triggers symptoms by inciting mast cells to release chemicals to fight off the infection. Allergies, also known as hay fever, affect many people’s quality of life. While you may not even realize it, environmental allergies can significantly impact your ability to sleep.

Antihistamines, including nasal sprays and oral medications, help relieve nasal congestion quickly and easily. But decongestants are not ideal for long-term use. The risks of rebound congestion can be too great. Also, decongestants may cause other side effects, such as rebound congestion. For the long-term use, you should also consider allergy prevention measures, such as wearing pollen glasses or masks and using decongestants for 3 days straight.

Specialty camps

Whether your child has asthma or a food allergy, a summer allergy camp may be right for them. These camps are staffed with people who understand the nuances of allergies and asthma. This gives you and your child peace of mind. Before enrolling your child in a summer allergy camp, make sure you visit your Portland allergist to review their treatment plan and refill any prescriptions. They can also help you prepare for your child’s time at camp.

The best way to protect your child from the harmful effects of food allergies while they are at camp is to find a program that offers a specialized diet. You can do this by researching the specialized camps for children with allergies. Some camps offer food allergy programs that are free of the allergens your child is allergic to. It’s also a good idea to find a camp that has a food allergy policy that takes into account COVID-19 protocols for 2022.

To avoid food allergies during summer, check out a camp that caters to children with special dietary needs. Camp TAG is one option. Operated by FAACT, the program will be offered in Ohio and near Nashville on June 6-10. A virtual camp is also scheduled for July 18-22. In-person camps are supervised by licensed nurses. All foods that trigger food allergies are restricted at the camp. Ensure that your child’s camp will have a food allergy policy and a designated nurse.