Suffering from “summer allergies”? Your guide to overcoming and preventing them Lifestyle

In the minds of many people, summer is associated with family vacations, trips, and outdoor outings, but for a large number of people, this season brings with it suffering from sneezing, runny nose, and sinus congestion resulting from what is called “summer allergies,” which may turn this season into an annoying experience.

However, it is possible to avoid a great deal of discomfort if the symptoms are treated correctly.

What are the most common causes of summer allergies?

“Summer allergy” is a type of seasonal allergy or allergic rhinitis, which is caused by the immune system’s reaction to substances in the environment whose levels increase during the summer months. Pollen is one of the most common allergens during this season, especially:

• Pollen of grasses and weeds.
• Pollen of wild plants.
• Outdoor mold spreading in the air.
• Remnants of tree pollen that may persist from spring to summer.

But the problem is not limited to the outdoors, as high temperatures sometimes lead to spending more time indoors, which increases exposure to other causes such as:

• Dust mites.
• Pet dander.
• Internal mold.

All of them are factors that cause summer allergies or exacerbate their symptoms.

Symptoms you may not notice

Symptoms of summer allergies are similar to those of other seasonal allergies, and include:

• Nasal congestion.
• Runny nose.
• Frequent sneezing.
• Sinus pressure and headache.
• Persistent dry cough.
• Red eyes or itchy and teary eyes.
• Feeling of blockage or itching inside the ears.
• Throat irritation and roughness.

Doctors point out that fatigue and exhaustion are common symptoms that many people do not associate with allergies. Sleep disturbances resulting from congestion, runny nose, and nocturnal sneezing may lead to feelings of fatigue during the day.

Allergy or summer cold?

Some people may confuse allergy symptoms with summer colds, due to their similarity. However, the presence of some symptoms suggests a viral infection more than an allergy, including:

• Fever.
• Body pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• diarrhea.
• Stomach disorders.

The timing of symptoms may also help in distinguishing. While cold symptoms often worsen upon waking or before bed, allergies tend to worsen when pollen levels are high or after activities such as mowing the lawn, gardening, or gardening.

Who is most vulnerable to infection?

The risk of developing summer allergies increases in people who:

• They suffer from other allergic diseases such as asthma or eczema.
• Have a family history of allergies.
• They spend long periods outdoors during pollen seasons.
• They are constantly exposed to irritants such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, or certain household chemicals.

How is the disease diagnosed?

The diagnosis of seasonal allergies depends on several factors, including:

• Clinical examination.
• The nature and frequency of symptoms.
• Timing of its appearance.
• Skin allergy tests or blood tests.

Doctors confirm that a runny nose does not always mean the presence of an allergy, as it may be the result of a non-allergic rhinitis that requires different treatment.

Treatment options

If home remedies, such as drinking warm liquids or rinsing the nose with saline solutions, do not work, you can resort to medications available without a prescription, most notably:

• Nasal cortisone sprays: It is one of the most effective treatments for seasonal allergies, but it requires regular use for several weeks before its results appear.
• Oral antihistamines: Which helps relieve symptoms, but keep in mind that it may cause drowsiness in some people.
• DecongestantsIt is used for more severe cases, but it is recommended not to use it for long periods due to its potential side effects.

In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe specialized sprays or resort to immunotherapy through “allergy injections,” which gradually helps the body build tolerance to the allergens.

How to protect yourself from summer allergies?

Although it is difficult to completely avoid allergens, experts recommend a range of measures that may significantly reduce exposure, including:

• Avoid going out in the early morning hours when pollen levels are highest.
• Follow weather forecasts and pollen indicators daily.
• Keep windows closed during days when vaccine levels are high.
• Use air conditioners and air purifiers.
• Change clothes after returning from abroad.
• Shower before bed to remove pollen stuck to the hair and skin.
• Vacuum the house regularly.
• Maintain indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.

Doctors confirm that a combination of prevention, appropriate treatment, and medical follow-up when needed can help those affected enjoy the summer without being spoiled by annoying allergy symptoms.