Allergies during the summer season: Causes and the preventive measures

Allergies occur during the winter and rainy season! Now, that is the popular belief. On the contrary, there are allergies that go hand in hand with summer. In fact hay-fever, one of the common allergies in summer, is named after hay-cutting that usually occurs in the summer season. And, most of the allergens that cause allergies in the winter and rainy seasons stay active even during the summer.

Knowing your triggers, refraining yourself from the exposure, and getting the appropriate medical help is the way to keep yourself away from the summer allergies. Stay with us until the end of the blog to know more about allergies that occur in the summer.

What causes allergies in the summer?

The clear sky and windy long days make people spend most of their time outdoors but it is full of allergens like pollen and mold. The typical summer days with high temperature, air pollution, and strong winds contribute to increased allergy cases. Here are a few causes that lead to allergies in summer.

1. Dust in the air: Summer is a dry season and the air will be full of dust causing dust allergy in many. The immunology and allergy specialists claim that summer allergies are as high as the fall or winter allergies. In addition, the increased carbon dioxide levels in the air strengthens pollen which is one of the common allergy triggers. Heat is also one of the contributing factors for increased pollen and mold in the air during summer.
2. Spike in temperature: Hot temperature and the humid air go hand in hand and make the perfect breeding ground for the mold, a fungus that causes allergies. At the same time, the protective mucus inside the nostrils gets drained due to the hot weather. And, the mucus-free nostrils become the perfect passages for people with allergies. The more the dry spells last during summer, the longer the allergies can disrupt the lives of many.
3. Air pollution: Be it the carbon dioxide from a motor vehicle or chemical spray or cigarette smoke, polluted air can trigger allergies. As the wind gets stronger mixed with heat, the air pollution can become worrisome. In addition, the longer days make it harder for people to get through the allergies.

What type of care and preventive measures can you follow?

It is essential for people diagnosed with allergies to practice all the preventive measures in summer that they strictly adhere to during the winter and monsoon seasons. Here are a few summer allergy tips that you could count on.

• Reduce your exposure to allergens by staying indoors, especially when it is too hot or windy outside.
• If you have a pet and you're taking him/her for a walk, ensure you wear a mask and give your pet a clean wipe down before walking indoors. This helps you get rid of the allergens stuck to your pet’s coat.
• Remove your shoes outside the door and clean your hands thoroughly before entering the house.
• Keep your windows shut if the weather is too hot or humid. If it is getting windy, do not open windows or doors.
• Use medically approved anti-bacterial washing powders while washing clothes. And, do remember that drying clothes attract all sorts of allergens. It is recommended to dry your clothes indoors.
• Change your bed sheets regularly and sanitize the entire room. Bugs, dust mites, and various other pollutants will cover up on the beds that are not changed properly.
• If you are planning to go outside, wear a quality mask. Knowing the wind and pollution levels in your locality helps you be prepared.
• Taking a shower right after you come back home and before going to bed helps you get rid of the triggers.
• Most importantly, know your medications and keep them always with you if you are stepping outside.

When to see the doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with a certain allergy condition and know you have been exposed to the allergen, take the prescribed medication. The allergy should go away eventually. If you are suffering from nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing, or inflammation in the nose and you do not know the reason, it is recommendable to visit an ENT specialist to get it diagnosed.

Dealing with chronic allergies can be difficult. Know your allergy and know what triggers it, and stay away from it.

Vikram ENT Hospital in Coimbatore houses the best ENT specialists who are experienced in dealing with allergies. If you are suffering from any allergy symptoms, visit the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore to find a relief.