Summer Time and Hay Fever
Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever generally occurs from the beginning of spring through summer and ending in early fall. Hay fever is an overreaction of the immune system to particles in the air, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These allergens can trigger symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. Even though the seasonal allergy is normally seen as a spring phenomenon, summer allergies may also appear. Managing summer allergies involves several steps to reduce exposure to allergens and alleviate symptoms:
Identify Triggers: Recognize the specific allergens that affect you. Common culprits during summer are pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. You can check local pollen forecasts to be aware of high pollen days.
Minimize Exposure: Try to avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times, usually early morning and late afternoon. Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home and use air conditioning if possible.
Personal Protection: When spending time outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and use a wide-brimmed hat to keep pollen out of your hair. Consider wearing a mask to reduce inhalation of pollen.
Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your air conditioning system and vacuum regularly to remove allergens from indoor surfaces.
Wash Away Pollen: After being outdoors, take a shower and wash your hair to remove any pollen that might have accumulated on your body.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Non-prescription antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroid sprays can help relieve allergy symptoms. Follow the dosing instructions and consult a pharmacist if needed.
Allergy Eye Drops: Over-the-counter eye drops can provide relief from itchy and irritated eyes caused by allergies.
Nasal Rinsing: Using a saline nasal rinse or neti pot can help flush out allergens and soothe nasal passages.
Monitor Local Pollen Counts: Stay informed about the pollen levels in your area, and plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
If over-the-counter medications are not effective or if your symptoms are severe and affecting your daily life, book your appointment with an allergy doctor like Dr. Arthur Lubitz. He can provide quick and effective relief for your summer allergies.
If you need to book an appointment for your allergies or asthma, you can book your appointment online, or call 212-247-7447.