Spring is over and that time of the year when everyone is happy and vibrant is fast approaching. Welcome to summer, the season of camping, drinking, swimming, and hiking. However, one thing makes the season to be a health hazard: summer allergies. April showers and May flowers are almost gone and what is left, sneezing all over the place.
Recent studies indicate that allergies rank sixth among the leading chronic illnesses in the United States. That’s worrying and only emphasizes the importance of asthma doctors in this period. It is evident that allergies and allergy-induced asthma are likely to increase, and the only reprieve for that is seeking immediate medical attention from asthma doctors.
Can you get allergies in the summer? In a word, yes. There are many triggers for allergies this summer, and the best thing is to know them so that you can be in a position to seek immediate medical attention. This article discusses the major causes of summer allergies and some common symptoms that should compel you to see asthma doctors.
Pollen
Most of the trees are at the end of pollen-fest, and this is the time that people are most vulnerable to allergic reactions. Not only trees but weeds and grasses are other trigger causes of asthma symptoms in summer. Some of the weeds to avoid include tumbleweed, sagebrush, Russian thistle, pigweed, and ragweed.
Most of the weeds and some grasses such as red top and sweat vernal have a high concentration of pollen and fur—so keep away from these weeds and grasses. However, it is very difficult to stay away from all these grasses, and you are likely to come into contact with a few. When you start sneezing, you should immediately consult an allergist for monitoring.
Smog
Smog is usually worse this time of the year. Air pollution is also at an all-time high leading to high chances of allergic and asthmatic conditions. The mix of chemicals from car exhaust and sunlight creates ozone, which could lead to devastating allergies.
If you are highly engaged in outdoor activities, it is not uncommon that you will start experiencing some asthmatic symptoms. You should not hesitate to try to think that the symptoms will subside. You need to check in to the nearest allergy and asthma clinic for checkups and prevent the situation from growing into uncontrollable levels.
Allergic Agents in Warm Air
Most of the tiny things that cause asthma and allergic reactions thrive in warm air. Mold in the basement, bathrooms, and damp areas are likely to get into the warm air and set off asthmatic reactions.
Dust mites, which are microscopic insects, are a very common summer allergy. Most of them are known to thrive in humid and warm temperatures. Dust mites are likely to be found in carpets, fabric, and beds. Their residue gets into the air easily and causes runny noses, wheezes, and sneezes.
If you happen to come into contact with mold or engage in carpet cleaning activities, you should book an appointment with an allergy specialist at the onset of early symptoms. Asthma doctors know these conditions very well and are better positioned to provide immediate treatment.
Stingers
Fire ants, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, and bees among other stinging insects are very active during the summer. It has been proven that most of the stinging insects cause severe allergic reactions. A run-in with a wasp or a bee could lead to a life-threatening condition.
In most cases, insect bites cause mild symptoms such as itching and swelling around the area. Some insect allergies are so severe such that they lead to dizziness, nauseating, and in extreme condition, a stung individual can go into shock and tongue swelling. These are extreme conditions that no one wants to see, and they can only be reversed by allergy specialists.
Common summer allergy symptoms include:
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- Sneezing
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- Continuous coughing
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- Itchy nose and eyes
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- Watery eyes, and
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- Running nose
What Next?
As seen above, nothing out of the ordinary will lead to allergies or asthmatic conditions this summer. All major causes are around you, and it would be very difficult to avoid all the causes. Besides being cautious, you should have an emergency number of asthma doctors near you so that you can call for emergency medical attention after experiencing some of the symptoms discussed above. For those of you in the greater Houston area, contact our team of Allergy & ENT doctors in cities like Katy, Sugar Land, Baytown, and many more for immediate help.
