Summer Allergies

/ June 13, 2011/ Allergy, NeilMed Products, Pollen allergies/ 3 comments

How to Deal with Allergies in the Summer

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you can’t stop blowing you’re stuffy nose?? If you thought your allergies were going to disappear with the end of spring and the onset of summer, guess again! You may be cured of your runny nose, itchy eyes, and incessant sneezing, but the summer heat brings its own set of irritating allergies.

 

What are the differences between spring and summer allergies?

In the spring, the pollens from budding trees and grasses can be blamed for your typical allergy symptoms. Summer allergens, on the other hand, are caused largely by growing mold, which thrives in the humid environment. This leads to irritating symptoms, such as stuffy nose, mucous in the nose and throat, frequent headaches, breathing through the mouth rather than nose, plugged ears, itchy throat, as well as lack of sleep.

You may have also heard of the “summer cold.” Unlike the “winter cold,” this is not a viral infection. Allergen particles in the air can irritate and inflame the nose, causing allergic rhinitis.

What can you do to prevent and alleviate your summer allergy symptoms?

Hydrate! In addition to drinking lots of water, you should eat foods with high water content. This includes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelons. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables is a healthy way to avoid the symptoms of allergies and there are lots of fresh and delicious varieties available in the summer.

In addition, facemasks will protect you from inhaling allergens if you are going to be outdoors for a long time—especially if you are in area where ragweed grows (such as corn, grain, and soybeans). By blinking your eyes frequently and using cold compresses at nighttime, you can help reduce eye irritations.

Air conditioners or dehumidifiers are an effective way of lowering indoor humidity, which can cause indoor allergens; however, it is important to change air conditioner filters monthly. It is also important to keep track of pollen counts and keep doors and windows closed during times of high pollen counts.

NeilMed’s Sinus Rinse^™ and NasaFlo^® Neti Pot provide mechanisms for natural nasal irrigation that cleanses your sinus passages of dust and allergens. Daily irrigation helps rid your body of these allergens and the irritating symptoms that they cause. Even if irrigating on a regular basis is not something you can make part of your routine, saline irrigation when suffering from allergies will help alleviate your symptoms.

 

Don’t let those summer allergies bog you down—if your allergy symptoms prevent you from staying active and enjoying the season, consult your family physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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