Every summer, many people suffer from allergies. However, it doesn’t have to mean staying inside the entire summer. Learn about the most common in the summertime allergies and how you can help your friends, family members, or yourself have a fun summer without facing those dreaded allergy symptoms.
Common Summertime Allergens
Tree and Grass Pollen
One very common summertime allergen is pollen. Pollen is at its highest levels during the spring and summer, but it escalates further in the summer months. Depending on the climate, levels fluctuate often. The Weather Network provides a pollen report which you can check to see how the levels are on a given day.
Jocie Brooks from Island Nature explains, “Pollen producing trees, shrubs, flowers and grass are all around us. Pollen, which is always male, is a critical part of plant reproduction. About three cells large, a single grain of pollen is visible only with a microscope. The familiar yellow dust is made of millions of individual grains. Through the spring we live and breathe pollen, which gets into our hair, clothing and nostrils.”
The people who need to steer clear of going outside during days with high pollen counts are those with asthma or other respiratory issues. These are the plants that trigger the worst allergy days:
- Tumbleweed
- Pigweed
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Rye grass
Mold
Indoor and outdoor mold alike can trigger terrible allergy attacks. Many sufferers experience watery eyes and a lot of sneezing. However, it could even cause respiratory issues if you don’t take care of it right away. Mold likes damp areas, so keeping the moisture levels in your home under control kills mold growth.
Summer Fruits and Vegetables
Summer fruits and veggies can even create allergy issues, affecting people with existing pollen allergies the most. The fuzzy hairs on certain fruits, such as peaches and kiwis, can tickle your throat, and the smell can create breathing struggles. Stay aware of your symptoms, which might include swollen lips, a swollen tongue, or an itchy mouth.
How to Live (and Breathe) Better
Protecting yourself and your family from the onset of allergies is essential. Team up with your doctor or naturopath to find a suitable solution for your allergy symptoms. Here are some things you can do to combat common summertime allergies:
Keep Indoor Air Clean
The first critical thing to do is to control your indoor air. An open door or window invites unwanted dirt and pollen into the home, but an air ventilation system such as an HVAC unit can reduce the risk of suffering from allergies. You can also use an air purifier during the summer months. If one member of the family suffers more than others, it may be helpful to place the air purifier in his or her room.
Don’t Go Outside on High-Pollen Days
It may be nice outside, but outside activities isn’t going to be as fun if you’re sneezing the whole time. Combat the bad days by inviting friends and family members over to do something inside (like playing board games!). However, if you need to go outside or want to venture out, take a shower and change your clothes after you come home.
Carefully Choose Plants for Your Home and Garden
Some houseplants or common garden flowers are more likely to cause allergies. Susan from 5 Minutes for Mom explains that having a seasonal allergy “doesn’t mean you have to avoid all contact with plants—you just have to learn which plants to avoid and which to keep in your home and garden.” Be aware of which trees, plants and flowers have more pollen and which are less likely to trigger your allergies.
Going outside in the summer is fun, but staying aware of the pollen count is essential. Take care of everyone in your household this summer by remaining cautious. Summertime allergies are bummers, so keep everyone protected inside and outside the house.
Do you suffer from summertime allergies? What helps you deal with them?
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