Tips for Spring and Summer Allergies

What are allergies?

An allergy is a response that occurs when your immune system reacts to something foreign to your body. Certain drugs, foods, and especially indoor and outdoor environmental allergens (irritants) can cause the immune system to secrete histamine and other inflammatory mediators that may cause:

• Sneezing (allergic rhinitis)
• Itchy/watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort with an occasional cough
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (allergic asthma) 

How and Why Your Body Reacts to Environmental Allergens 

Certain environmental triggers can be seasonal or occur all year long
 
When a physician diagnoses you with an environmental allergen, they are likely referring to tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, mold spores (increases in damp areas), animal dander (skin and saliva of an animal) and dust mites.
 
The most common allergens in the spring are pollens from trees, grass, and weeds. Your body looks at these allergens as irritants. If you are allergic and breathe in the pollen, then your body's cells will release inflammatory mediators called histamine. This triggers symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes. 
 
In the summer months, dust mite allergies are also prevalent because the dust mite population increases in the high humidity. Ragweed pollens also increase in the late summer and early fall months. 
 
Hot weather and increased humidity (the water in the air we breathe) can aggravate the airways and cause mucous to accumulate. This causes tightening and inflammation of the airways and can also worsen the symptoms of asthma.

How are Spring Allergies Diagnosed?

Speak with your primary care physician if you are experiencing symptoms or have a history of allergies. They will review your symptoms and may order blood tests or skin tests to properly diagnose your allergies. They may refer you to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or allergist.

Allergy Testing

Scratch Test

The most common allergy test is a scratch test. With this test, the physician pricks or scratches certain allergens onto your skin. If you have an allergy, your skin will react by turning red, swelling or becoming bumpy. These tests are very reliable and you will often receive results within 15 minutes after exposure to the allergen.

Blood Test

Allergies can also be identified through blood testing. A blood test involves giving a sample of your blood and testing it for antibodies against ragweed pollen or other allergens. Results of blood tests may take a few days.

Tips to Avoid Allergens and Manage Symptoms

Tip 1:  Monitor the pollen count for your area. If the pollen count is high, try to stay indoors and keep the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when driving.

Tip 2:  Avoid freshly cut grass if possible. Wear a mask when doing outside chores like raking leaves or mowing the lawn.

Tip 3:  Vacuum your home and clean vents frequently to remove dust and pollen tracked in from outside.  

Tip 4:  Shower immediately after coming inside from the outdoors to remove the allergens from your body.

Tip 5:  Avoid dusty and moldy environments, such as damp basements, which can trigger an allergic reaction. 

Tip 6:  If your home is damp or humid, a dehumidifier may help. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can reduce the potential for mold growth and help remove other allergen particles to reduce the pollutants that trigger allergies.

Allergy Treatments

Several non-prescription medications may help to manage and ease allergy symptoms:

• Steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation in the nose
• Antihistamine to reduce or stop sneezing and itching
• Decongestant to relieve nasal stuffiness and dry up mucus
• Eye drops to relieve itchy and watery eyes

If you have a history of allergies, speak with your doctor before the pollen count increases and your symptoms worsen.

View our allergy and immunology services.