Summer allergies

Summer allergies are very common due to the more permitting weather encouraging us to remain outdoors longer. Summer allergies usually beggin in June and end in September, with symptoms peaking during June & July.

Summer is all about outdoor fun, walks and general activities outside the home. All these small and daily pleasures can have the opposite effect if we inadvertently get in contact with the allergens we are sensitive to, and they trigger our allergies.

Many plants in nature are pollinated at this time of year, but the main allergen of summer allergies is pollen from grasses and trees.

Hot and humid weather also creates the ideal environment for mould growth, which can cause allergic reactions.

From July to early autumn, allergic symptoms from fungal spores may be more frequent.

What causes summer allergies?

Tree pollen

Tree pollen disperses when nights are cold and days are warm. Depending on your geographical location, the amount and types of trees, as well as tree pollen can be particularly high during the summer months.

Grass pollen

Grasses, which grow in almost every geographical location, are the most common cause of allergies in summer. Many of the greens we eat bloom in early summer such as hogweed, arugula and capers.

Mould

Outdoor molds can also cause summer allergies. Mould is sensitive to weather conditions and can increase in concentration depending on weather conditions. Some mould spores are more likely to spread in dry, windy weather, while others thrive in high humidity, such as fog or dew. The most common summer fungus is Alternaria, which forms a velvety texture and dark green to brown colour. Its seeds are mainly found outdoors, where it tend to grow on plant matter. In spring and summer, conditions are suitable for the growth of the fungus and it is possible for it to appear as mould in damp houses, on wood, plywood, bathroom walls and polyurethane plastics.

Plant pollen

Ragweed

Ragweed is one of the most common causes of allergies in late summer and autumn. A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains, which are tiny, incredibly light and spread easily. Weed starts releasing pollen in August and continues until November.

Mugworts

This perennial plant is one of the most common allergens found in late summer to early fall. Mugworts contain proteins that can lead to an allergic reaction among pollen-sensitive individuals.

Nettle

This annual and perennial plant, with hairs on its flowers and leaves, can cause allergic reactions when people inhale the pollen or come into contact with the plant.

The most common plants whose pollen causes most summer allergies are:

Weeds

Mugwort

–

Dried grasses

Chenopodium

And the most common Greens:

Grass

Cyananthus

Rye

Glaucus

Bermuda grass

Summer fruits and vegetables

Some people are sensitive not only to pollen but also to certain foods with similar proteins to those found in common allergens, such as grasses and weeds. If you feel a short-term tingling sensation on your lips, swelling in your mouth or a scratchy throat when you eat a raw summer fruit or vegetable, you may have a type of allergy known as Food Allergy Pollen Syndrome or Oral Allergy Syndrome. If you are concerned about your symptoms or are experiencing food allergies that extend beyond your mouth, contact your doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious food allergy

Food Allergy Syndrome – Pollen

In some allergy patients, the immune system recognises allergens (cross-reaction) found in pollen that are similar to those found in raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. This condition is called pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) or oral allergy syndrome (OAS)

The body responds with a mild allergic response, such as:

Itching in the mouth

Itching in the throat

Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat

While sometimes people can feel:

Itching in the ears

Urticaria in the mouth

People with an allergy to grass pollen may react to:

Celery

melons

Oranges

peaches

Tomatoes

 

People with an allergy to ragweed pollen may react to:

Bananas

cucumbers

melons

Sunflower seeds

Pumpkins

Not everyone with pollen allergies reacts to fresh fruit and raw vegetables.

Most people with PFAS experience short-term symptoms and do not need treatment.

Anaphylaxis

But people with reactions to fresh fruit or raw vegetables with symptoms beyond the area around the mouth may be at risk of anaphylaxis.

What are some common symptoms of summer allergy?

Allergy symptoms resulting from pollen and other allergens may mimic the symptoms of the common cold: itching, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Allergies usually do not include a fever, while a cold may include a mild fever, especially in children. Allergies tend to last for the duration of allergen exposure, while colds tend to last no longer than one to two weeks. Some people may only experience symptoms during one season, while others may react to allergens throughout the year.

Several factors influence the severity of an allergic reaction to pollen, these may include the amount of pollen a plant species emits into the air, the duration of your exposure and whether the pollen is more or less likely to cause a reaction. If you are allergic to multiple pollens or allergens, you may have more severe allergy symptoms.

In addition, allergic symptoms will vary depending on which pollens and other allergens are common in your geographical area. Plants produce different levels of pollen depending on climatic conditions such as temperature and rainfall. And while allergy seasons tend to remain predictable, unexpected weather changes can increase or decrease the regular pollen season, also affecting symptoms.

Learn more about pollen allergies and the common symptoms of a pollen allergy here.

How to manage summer allergies

Limit contact with outdoor allergens.

Wear a face cover and long-sleeved clothes.

Shower after going outdoors.

Take an antihistamine

Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Watch the allergy forecast

• Be aware of the the climate, such as warm weather, rainfall or even cold weather (for mould) that help pollen to thrive in your geographical area.
• Check the weather forecast and find out when your allergy symptoms may get worse.
• Limit your movements when pollen concentration is high
• Keep doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak in the evening, especially in the early summer, and in the morning in late summer. Take a shower and wear fresh clothes after work or playing outside.
• Cover yourself for protection from pollen.
• Wear a face mask to prevent pollen from getting into your mouth, nose and eyes when doing any gardening work such as cutting the grass. Wear long sleeves or trousers if you have physical contact with allergens such as grass or ragweed.
• Keep the indoor air clean
• Instead of keeping the windows open to cool your home or car, use air conditioning to reduce the amount of pollen entering indoors. Keep your home clean by vacuuming often and running a HEPA air filter to limit any allergens. If you don’t filter your air, you may have lower air quality inside your home than outside.
• Relieve summer allergy symptoms with an antihistamine

If you can’t avoid pollen during the summer, over-the-counter allergy medications can help relieve your allergy symptoms. It is important to take this medication after consulting with your allergist.

Summer allergies can affect your quality of life, but with knowledge, preparation and the right treatment, they don’t have to ruin your fun and holidays in the warm weather.