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5 Summertime Allergies to Watch Out For

Key Points

  • One in five Americans suffer from allergies, with a noted increase since the 1980s. Allergies are often triggered in the summer by various allergens.
  • Ragweed, prevalent in August and September, is a common allergen causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and sleep disruptions. It is most common in the Eastern and Midwest states but can be found throughout the U.S.
  • Bermuda grass, found in California, Florida, and many southern and southwestern states, can cause allergic reactions ranging from asthma-like symptoms to headaches. It is most common at elevations below 3,000 feet.
  • Insects such as bees, yellow-jackets, wasps, and mosquitoes can cause allergic reactions during the summer, with severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Other common summertime allergies include reactions to BBQ smoke and mold, particularly in high-humidity states. Symptoms can include breathing problems, sneezing, and chest congestion.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five Americans suffers from some sort of allergy. In addition, allergies have increased since the early 1980s. Summertime often triggers allergic reactions but what are the top allergens to watch out for in the Summer?

5 Summertime Allergies to Watch Out For

Key Points

  • One in five Americans suffer from allergies, with a noted increase since the 1980s. Allergies are often triggered in the summer by various allergens.
  • Ragweed, prevalent in August and September, is a common allergen causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and sleep disruptions. It is most common in the Eastern and Midwest states but can be found throughout the U.S.
  • Bermuda grass, found in California, Florida, and many southern and southwestern states, can cause allergic reactions ranging from asthma-like symptoms to headaches. It is most common at elevations below 3,000 feet.
  • Insects such as bees, yellow-jackets, wasps, and mosquitoes can cause allergic reactions during the summer, with severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Other common summertime allergies include reactions to BBQ smoke and mold, particularly in high-humidity states. Symptoms can include breathing problems, sneezing, and chest congestion.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five Americans suffers from some sort of allergy. In addition, allergies have increased since the early 1980s. Summertime often triggers allergic reactions but what are the top allergens to watch out for in the Summer?

Ragweed Allergy

WebMD reports there are "17 different species of ragweed in the U.S." Prevalent in August and September, ragweed allergic reactions include sneezing, nasal congestion, sniffles, puffy eyes, itchy throat, hives, and sleep disruptions. Those who are severely allergic to ragweed may also suffer from chronic sinusitis.

The most common areas for ragweed are in the Eastern and Midwest states, however, summer winds can carry the ragweed pollens as far as 400 miles. Dr. Christine B. Franzese tells WebMD "The reality is there is not a corner of the country where there is no ragweed pollen." Scientists also believe the increase in carbon monoxide and recent hot summers are extending ragweed allergy season into October.

Bermuda Grass Allergy

The University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources Department offers that Bermuda grass is seen in California, Florida, and in many southern and southwestern states. This type of grass grows prevalently at elevations below 3,000 feet and many people suffer allergic reactions from this grass.

The symptoms can range from asthma-like symptoms to itching to wheezing to headache pain. Others may experience watery, teary or itchy eyes, a runny nose or scratchy, or sore throat. Bermuda grass allergic symptoms also include cough and conjunctivitis. Parents with small children may notice a persistent upward rubbing of the nose—a common symptom of Bermuda grass allergies.

Insect Bite Allergies

Summer is also the time when we see the most insects such as bees, yellow-jackets, wasps and mosquitoes. When a person is bitten by any of these insects, they may experience red bumps and itching.

Those who are allergic to certain bug bites, however, may suffer severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention such as anaphylaxis. Others may experience severe itching, hives, or difficulty breathing.

The important thing to note with insect allergies is a person may experience severe itching upon a first bite but anaphylaxis from a second bite. It's essential for those allergic to insect bites to visit an urgent care center near them as insect bites and the reactions people face are curable.

Cookout / BBQ Smoke Allergies

Another common summertime allergy comes from something we love to do in the summer—cookout, barbeque and have campfires. Some people are sensitive to smoke which can trigger breathing problems or an asthma attack.

The type of wood used for barbecuing or making camp fires can also trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing and watery eyes. The wood most experience smoke allergies from is the mesquite tree that is common in the southwest.

Mold Allergies

In states where the humidity is high during summer, some may experience mold allergy symptoms. Once spores are released (also known as mold seeds) they can spread during morning fogs and high humidity levels.

Mold allergies are most common from July to late summer and symptoms include sneezing and a runny nose. Others may experience the opposite—dry nose and chest congestion. Some patients have severe hay fever symptoms due to mold allergies. Mold season drops once weather is cold. You can get quick care for your mold allergies by visiting a walk in clinic.

These 5 summertime allergens are ones to watch out for so it's always best to speak with your physician or urgent care doctor about reactions to summertime allergies. Doctors can prescribe or recommend over-the-counter medications to help ease symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the prevalence of allergies in the United States?

    According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five Americans suffers from some sort of allergy.
  • What are some common allergens during the summer?

    Common summer allergens include ragweed, Bermuda grass, insect bites, smoke from cookouts or BBQs, and mold.
  • What are the symptoms of a ragweed allergy?

    Symptoms of a ragweed allergy include sneezing, nasal congestion, sniffles, puffy eyes, itchy throat, hives, and sleep disruptions. In severe cases, it can lead to chronic sinusitis.
  • Where is Bermuda grass commonly found and what are its allergy symptoms?

    Bermuda grass is commonly found in California, Florida, and many southern and southwestern states. Allergic reactions can range from asthma-like symptoms to itching, wheezing, headache pain, watery or itchy eyes, a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, and conjunctivitis.
  • What should one do if they have a severe reaction to an insect bite?

    If a person has a severe reaction to an insect bite, such as anaphylaxis, severe itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, they should visit an urgent care center immediately as these reactions are curable.
  • What are the symptoms of a smoke allergy from cookouts or BBQs?

    Smoke allergies can trigger breathing problems or an asthma attack. The type of wood used for barbecuing or making campfires can also trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing and watery eyes.
  • When are mold allergies most common and what are the symptoms?

    Mold allergies are most common from July to late summer. Symptoms include sneezing and a runny nose, or the opposite—dry nose and chest congestion. Some patients may experience severe hay fever symptoms due to mold allergies.
  • What should one do if they are experiencing symptoms from these common summer allergens?

    If one is experiencing symptoms from these common summer allergens, it's best to speak with a physician or urgent care doctor. Doctors can prescribe or recommend over-the-counter medications to help ease symptoms.

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