Summertime Allergies: What Actually Brings Them About?

Summer is a beautiful season that brings about warm weather, ice cream, sunny walks, and a whole lot of wonderful beach days. On the heels of all that pleasantry is something else: pollen. 

Nearly a fourth of Australians overall end up dealing with allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, and a number of other allergies. 

Can Allergies Be Managed In Summer?

Yes, yes they can, though quite carefully. Several factors can bring Australians more triggers during both summer and spring. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Bushfire smoke, which can trigger both asthma and hayfever symptoms
• Dust mites, which thrive in warm conditions and embed in fabrics and carpets in the home
• Hot, humid air or hot, dry air can trigger asthma, especially when moving from hot, humid weather outdoors into a cool, air-conditioned building
• Mould spores, which grow in warm and damp conditions 
• Pollen from grass, which reaches moderate to high levels in the summer months 
• Real pine Christmas trees, which collect high amounts of pollen from other plants before they are cut down, can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms once you bring them into the home

What's the Best Way To Avoid Allergens In Warm Months?

Consult a Pollen Information Calendar

Grass pollen is at its peak during the warmer months of summer and spring. Windy days make it exponentially worse. Consult a local pollen information calendar so you can enjoy the outdoors when there's a low pollen count, and it's not that windy. Early morning to nearly mid-morning can be particularly risky. Pollen levels are generally highest before 9 AM hits. 

No matter what state you're in, you can find mould and pollen counts at Pollen Forecast Australia.

Plan Summer Holidays Smartly

Did you know that where you spend the summer can make a difference in terms of allergy triggers? Consider spending the summer swimming and hanging out on the beach. There is hardly any vegetation near the coast, and salt water is naturally a decongestant. 

In contrast, remote camping and bushwalks are the last things you should consider doing. You’ll be sneezing and coughing all night with all the pollen in those locations.

Stay Hydrated

This likely goes without saying, but it needs to be emphasised. Allergies can be triggered or even worsened by dehydration. Drinking plenty of water can also help to relieve symptoms that have already manifested.

Other tips include:

• Avoid exercising near freshly mown grass when grass spores have been stirred up
• Avoid going outdoors on hot, windy days when pollen is travelling through the air
• Clean air conditioning filters regularly so you’re not breathing in any particles that could trigger allergies
• Regularly wash sheets and bedding to prevent any mould or dust particles from building up
• Keep your bathroom well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of mould
• Upon your return indoors, wash and change your clothes to remove any dust, pollen or pollution

Conclusion

Summertime allergies are much like those in spring: fueled largely by warm weather. Pollen is particularly abundant during these months, which tends to trigger allergies in people. A great way to avoid these is to stay hydrated, consult a pollen information calendar, and plan summer holidays smartly.

Do you need help with allergy management for summertime? Reach out to Unichem Greenhithe Pharmacy today! We’ve got many options and treatments in terms of top-notch health solutions for patients of all ages.