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The Sniffles and Sneezes of Summer Allergies

While spring and fall catch a bad rap for allergy flare-ups, many people, especially children, suffer seasonal allergies in the summer as well. The symptoms of these allergies can range in severity from mild sniffles and sneezes to severe asthma attacks that result in hospital stays.

What Causes Summer Allergies?

Summer allergies can be caused by the same culprits as other seasons, like pollen, dust mites and mold. There are many triggers that are summer specific, though. For instance, mold is more likely to grow in the hot summer months. Other summer-specific triggers include a number of weeds and plants that mostly grow in the summer, like:

• Weeds

• Ragweed

• Cockleweed

• Pigweed

• Russian thistle

• Sagebrush

• Tumbleweed

• Grasses

• Bermuda

• Blue grasses

• Orchard

• Red Top

• Sweet vernal

• Timothy

Dust mites are also to blame for summertime allergy flares. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid temperatures, nesting in beds, fabric and carpets. The residue of these tiny, spider-like insects is airborne, getting inhaled into noses and causing nasal and sinus misery for those who are allergic.

Pollution

Pollution can play a major role in severe summer allergies, especially for children, who are more prone to severe asthma attacks. Ozone, one of the most common pollutants, is created when sunlight, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons from fuel combine. Summer’s stronger sunlight and winds create clouds of ozone around cities, increasing the concentration of the allergen.

Allergy Solutions

Unfortunately, there is not one-size-fits-all approach to addressing allergies. If you suspect your child suffers from summertime allergies, it may be worth a trip to the doctor to find out what her recommendations are and to rule out that your child has undiagnosed asthma.

The good news is that some of the most effective allergy medications are now available over-the-counter. Relief could literally be one store away.