What are the differences between spring and summer allergies?
Allergies come and go with the seasons, and the symptoms experienced by people with allergies also change with those seasons. While spring is well known for its bloom and subsequent allergies, summer isn’t simply an extension of those allergies but springs from different plants and pollen altogether.
Plant and tree pollen different greatly from each region of the country. One might experience allergies in the Midwest that they don’t normally feel when living in California. While someone may not have daily allergies, one might experience them while on trips elsewhere, so it’s best to be prepared. Let’s learn the differences between spring and summer allergies and ways to treat them. Take the Breathe Clear Institute allergy quiz to learn more.
Common spring and summer allergy symptoms
Depending on where someone is in the world and the surrounding terrain, allergy seasons occur in different monthly time frames. In the U.S., our spring allergy season is typically from February to May, and summer is from May to June. Common symptoms in both seasons include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, red itchy eyes, and even asthma flare-ups for certain people.
What causes spring and summer allergies? How do the two seasons differ?
While the symptoms of spring and summer allergies are similar, the allergens differ between the two. Spring allergies mainly come with trees pollinating and flowering plants, spreading pollen and increasing our exposure to it.
On the contrary, summer allergies are mainly due to grass allergens that transport in the wind. While July might be considered summer on our calendars, it’s actually the one month of the year that allergens take a break and go on vacation, much like we do.
Regardless of what pollen may be in the air, the wind is what spreads the allergens and can increase with the strength and direction of it.
Best practices to treat these season allergies
Depending on the severity of allergies and the amount of time exposed to the pollens that cause allergic reactions, there are different ways to treat these allergies whether at-home or under the supervision of a doctor at the Breathe Clear Institute.
At-home/Over-the-counter remedies
Just like checking the weather before you leave the house, you can also check the pollen report to know how light or severe the numbers are when exiting the house. But, allergies also occur indoors, so there are both at-home and over-the-counter treatments to help any and all allergy irritations.
For a more holistic approach, saline solutions and neti pots are a great way to clean your nasal passages, or sitting in a steamy room. Taking showers and changing clothes after a day outside can also help subside any symptoms you might be experiencing.
Over-the-counter medicines are safe and effective in treating a variety of allergy symptoms. From nasal sprays to 24-hour antihistamines, there are products for temporary and daily relief. If these aren’t enough, it’s time to see a doctor. Click on the link below to make an appointment with us.
Need further help with your allergies? Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute
We have dedicated allergists on staff ready to tackle your seasonal allergies, no matter what season it is. Read more about treatment options and book and appointment today to start feeling better tomorrow.