The summer brings warmer weather and longer days. This often leads to many more outdoor activities, including barbecues, outdoor sports, and swimming. Many people also open their windows at night to let in the cool summer air. All of this makes summer everyone’s favorite season. However, summer also brings a fresh set of allergy triggers. This can also come with several unwanted symptoms. Many patients experience allergies that peak during the summertime. You may wonder: what allergens are more common in summer? Below are the top summer allergens and when to call a pulmonologist.
What Allergens Are More Common In Summer?
Several allergens peak between June and August. Several allergy treatment options can improve your symptoms and help you enjoy a great summer. In the early months, grass pollen tends to dominate the air. As summer progresses, mold spores increase because they thrive in the heat and humidity. Several other allergens thrive in the summer months.
Many patients schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist once their summer allergy symptoms begin. If possible, it is best to be proactive and stop symptoms before they start. However, if your sleep, work, or social life is affected, it is time to reach out to a professional. You may be allergic to one or more of the following common summer allergens.
Grass Pollen
Grass pollen is one of the most common summer allergens. This allergen affects the entire country. Several types of grass release pollen as temperatures rise in summer. These include Bermuda, Timothy, and Kentucky bluegrass. Common grass pollen allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Symptoms can worsen after mowing the lawn or spending time outside in open fields.
Grass pollen counts tend to peak in the morning and again at dusk. It can be especially impactful on dry or windy days. Stay indoors during peak hours and keep your windows closed. If you want to go outside or exercise outdoors, do so during the middle of the day.
Mold Spores
Mold spores thrive in the summer months as they multiply in warm, damp environments. There are several common areas where mold is often found. They are common in piles of grass clippings and outdoor compost bins. They are also common in basements and bathrooms, as both can stay humid and warm for long periods. Summer rainstorms can make things substantially worse.
Unlike pollen, mold spores remain in the air during the day and well into the evening. Staying indoors helps if outdoor mold triggers you. However, you need to ensure there is no mold indoors. If your home is at risk for mold, use an indoor humidifier. Avoid damp outdoor areas after the rain when coming inside. These steps can help you reduce your risk of exposure.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in bedding, upholstery, and carpeting. They thrive on soft surfaces in the home. They feed on shed skin cells. Dust mites thrive in humidity, which is very common in the summer. Humidity above 50 percent is an excellent breeding ground for dust mites. Dust mites multiply rapidly during the summer months. Staying indoors can worsen your symptoms.
Several ways can reduce dust mites in your home. Wash your bedding weekly in hot water. Use a dehumidifier, as it can reduce dust mites and slow their breeding. Use HEPA filters and vacuum your carpets and upholstery regularly. You can also cover your mattresses and pillows with allergen-proof covers. This reduces nighttime exposure, which can help with your sleep.
Managing Your Summer Allergies
Reducing your exposure is the best way to manage your summer allergies. Start by understanding your allergy triggers. If you don’t know what is causing your allergy symptoms, keep an allergy diary. Write down when you experience symptoms, what they are, and how long they last. Include any potential triggers you may notice in your environment when these symptoms occur.
If you do know your allergy triggers, it is key to reduce your exposure. However, this may not always be enough. Untreated allergies require an effective allergy treatment plan. An allergy specialist can help you find the cause of your symptoms. From there, an effective treatment plan can help you manage your symptoms and feel like yourself again.
Treatment may include antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy immunotherapy. This depends on your triggers and symptom severity. This is often combined with lifestyle factors and exposure reduction. A treatment plan that combines multiple approaches can improve your health and overall quality of life.
When to Contact an Allergy Specialist
Occasional sneezing or mild congestion usually does not require a visit to a specialist. In very mild cases, you can reduce your exposure or take over-the-counter medication. However, many people experience persistent symptoms that impact their daily life. If your allergy symptoms impact your sleep or daily life, it is time to reach out for help. This is also true if you don’t respond to over-the-counter treatment options.
Many people report daytime fatigue, concentration issues, and mood changes. This is most often caused by poor sleep due to allergies. Without intervention, the cycle continues as poor sleep affects your day. Allergy symptoms during the day can make it hard to fall asleep. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, it is time to start an allergy treatment plan. This can improve your daily life at work, school, and socially.
Leading Pulmonologist
Allergies can affect your daily life. If you are struggling with allergy symptoms, contact Dr. Shukla and his team today to schedule your appointment!
