Keep Your Seasonal Allergies in Check

Most people think of spring and fall as ‘allergy season.’ But for many allergy sufferers, common summer molds, grass pollens and dust can trigger symptoms and suffering even on the most beautiful of days.

Summer allergies are most often caused by pollens from trees, grasses, ragweed, and other perennial plants as well as mold. Because plants produce different levels of pollen throughout the season in response to weather conditions, the intensity of symptoms can vary day-to-day or week-to-week. Plus, if you’re allergic to multiple pollens or allergens, your symptoms may be more severe.

The good news is there are steps you can take to keep allergies from ruining your summer fun.

While there is no way to avoid pollen and other allergens entirely, you can limit their impact during the summer months. For example:

- Track pollen levels in your area at pollen.com and avoid spending time outdoors when levels are high

- Try to stay indoors whenever it is windy, in the evening during early summer, and in the morning during late summer as that is when pollen counts are at their highest.

- When spending time outdoors when counts are high, wear a face covering to prevent pollen from getting into your mouth, nose, and eyes, especially when gardening or mowing the lawn.

- Wash any clothes worn outdoors during high pollen times and avoid line drying during allergy season.

- Make a habit of showering before bed to rinse off pollen that collects on skin and hair during the day.

- Shut doors and windows during allergy season to avoid allergens from entering your home. If you have air conditioning, lean on it rather than natural air circulation to minimize pollen exposure.

- When cleaning your house, use a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter daily to minimize allergens in the air.  

- Consider investing in an air filter to trap allergens in your home.  

- Check the weather forecast and learn what types of weather make your symptoms worse and plan accordingly.

- If you are still struggling, speak to your healthcare provider about using an over-the-counter medication to help manage your symptoms.

Because summer allergies and the common cold share a lot of symptoms, it’s important to figure out which you’re dealing with so you can treat it properly and, if you have a cold, take steps not spread it to others.

Here’s a quick look at some common symptoms that may help you tell the difference:

Nicholas Wild, MD practices family medicine at SVHC’s Northshire Campus in Manchester, VT.