Seasonal allergies are a massive inconvenience for people who are just simply trying to have a good time. Allergies are usually triggered by a foreign object or particles making their way inside the body. People with allergies usually end up having an adverse reaction to such substances. Mild reactions include rash, itching, nasal congestion or sneezing and watery or itchy eyes. In some cases, people with severe allergies can experience abdominal cramping or pain, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, fear or anxiety, heart palpitations and even unconsciousness.
Our immune system is designed to protect our bodies against bacteria and viruses. In the case of people with allergies, their immune system misidentifies particles such as pollen and dust as harmful substances and tries to attack them by producing antibodies. This reaction is often what causes allergy symptoms. Although you can always take an antihistamine for dust allergies or try to avoid the outdoors, it is best to understand how the changing weather can affect your allergies.
How Does Weather Affect Allergies?
Many people with allergies know that a change in the season can trigger allergies. You must be mindful of your environment and choose specific times to enjoy outdoor activities. Let’s quickly go over how allergies change with the changing of seasons. This way, you will be better equipped to handle your allergies, as most seasonal allergy treatments are best taken before the symptoms begin.
Spring Season
The main allergens to watch out for during spring is pollen. Most plants begin to pollinate and release a massive amount of pollen into the air. If this pollen enters your body, you will experience pollen allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and difficulty breathing.
Depending on the fauna in your area, there are also multiple types of pollen allergies. If you plan to go out during this time, it is best to keep the following things in mind.
- Grass pollen levels are at the highest in the late spring.
- Moulds begin releasing allergy-triggering spores in the spring
- Tree pollen also hits a high in the spring, usually in April or May.
Winter Season
Cold weather usually means spending more time indoors. This way, you are protected by most of the allergens in the environment. However, the downside of spending more time indoors is that you may be exposed to allergy triggers in your own house, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould.
Summer Season
There are multiple ways in which the summer season can aggravate your allergies. We will discuss this in detail down below. Summers are also optimum for most plants in terms of their growth and pollination, which is why many people begin to feel the onset of symptoms from late June to early July.
Summer Allergens
As mentioned previously, summertime is often tricky for many people suffering from allergens. When you want to bask in the sunshine and relax outdoors, you get a runny nose and constant sneezing. So let us look at the main culprits of summertime allergies and see how you can tackle them.
Pollen
As the temperature rises, many plants begin to pollinate. Sadly not much can be done about it. Pollen is vital for plants to reproduce and continue on their life cycle. Most grasses tend to pollinate in the heat, especially in warmer areas. Combined with many people mowing their gardens, pollen is everywhere in the air.
Bugs and Insects
The summer season is also the time when all sorts of bugs and critters can be seen crawling about. Allergies from insects are mainly caused by their saliva, faeces and shedding of body parts. Cockroaches are the most common type of bug allergy that people face. Cockroaches love to live in dark wet places, hence why many dense urban cities are ideal habitats for them.
Humidity
Some summer days tend to be way hotter than others. This is generally due to the humidity. The moisture in the air makes the experience of heat way more intense than what may appear on a thermometer. Humidity not only plays a vital role in causing allergies but also affects overall comfort and health.
Too much moisture in the air creates the perfect environment for allergens like mildew, mould, dust mites and bacteria. These allergens can sneak their way into your home through the ventilation, open windows and even by hitching a ride on you. If the conditions are right, even a small number of allergens can multiply into full colonies in a matter of a couple of hours.
Dust mites cause the majority of all allergies. An allergy to dust is actually an allergy to dust mite debris. These invisible critters feed off our dead skin cells and absorb the moisture in the air through their bodies. To keep dust mites at bay, it is recommended to keep indoor humidity below 50%.
Tackling Allergies In The Summer
Firstly, understand the pollen season, particular where you live. You can easily find local data on this if you look online. Chances are there will be a comprehensive guide on what temperatures, humidity and types of pollen you can expect in the coming weeks. This way, you can plan your trips outdoors and take any seasonal allergy treatment with you.
Also, invest in a dehumidifier to help you get rid of excess humidity inside your house. This will prevent any nasty mould from growing in your house and eliminate dust mites. Alternatively, you can run your air conditioning for the same purpose.
If you feel like you have serious allergies, medications can be a good option. There are several medications you can take for seasonal allergy treatment. These include drugs like Fexofenadine, Cetirizine, Loratadine and Piriton. Your best bet is to start your allergy medication regimen about a month before your specific allergy season starts. That way, any medication has a chance to get into your system and start working before the season starts. You should only take medications prescribed by a licensed physician.
IQ Doctor
If you are looking for pharmaceutical options for the best allergy medicine for pollen, IQ Doctor is the place for you. It is a UK pharmacy fully licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to sell medicines online. IQ Doctor offers its customers a wide variety of antihistamines and the best allergy medicine for pollen. You can visit their website and get a free consultation with a medical professional to determine what medicine may suit you best. Once you place your order, the medication will be shipped immediately.