Allergies in August | The End of Summer Misery
Most people identify seasonal allergies with spring pollen and then confuse summer allergy symptoms with a common cold or Covid.
Summer and spring allergy symptoms are the same—runny nose, coughing and sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, or a sore throat. Typically, seasonal allergy symptoms do not include fever and shortness of breath which are more common with colds and Covid.
August is usually considered the start of summer allergies. That is the month when ragweed surfaces as the most common allergen. In addition, stinging insects and mold spores (especially after a rain) are also problematic for summer allergy sufferers. How can you tell if you’re suffering from allergies or a summer cold? The simplest question to ask yourself is, “Do my symptoms persist over two weeks”? If your answer is “yes”, then most likely seasonal allergies are to blame.
Some ways you can help relieve your summer allergy symptoms and reduce your misery include:
- Use air filters and switch them out seasonally to avoid allergens that are seasonally specific.
- Make sure to shower or change your clothes after being exposed to allergens.
- Note the humidity levels in your house and pay attention to air quality.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs or any materials that can absorb allergens.
- Keep windows closed to eliminate pollen, mold spores, or bugs from entering your home.
- Keep in mind, pollen counts are typically the most turbulent at midday and on days with high winds.
- Note that treatment for ragweed pollen and other types of pollen are inherently similar.
- Purchase a HEPA filter. HEPA is an acronym for “high efficiency particulate air filter.” These filters are excellent sources to improve air quality in the comfort of your own home.
- Wear sunglasses outside.
- Bring a cold damp washcloth for your eyes if you are going to an outdoor event.
- Contact St. Louis Allergy Relief Center for holistic allergy treatments and you won’t feel miserable!
Keep in mind that the only difference between spring allergies and summer allergies are the specific plant pollens involved. Spring allergies are primarily triggered by grass, tree, and some weed pollens. Summer allergies, usually starting in August, are triggered by ragweed.
Did you know that ragweed is a member of the daisy family and grows all over North America? A single ragweed plant produces over a billion pollen grains a season. The problem, however, is that ragweed pollen grains are a major sinus and eye irritant. Ragweed pollen causes inflammation within the mucous membranes of our noses and our eyes, triggering runny noses, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and other issues all commonly labeled “hay fever”.
There are approximately 23 million Americans who are affected by ragweed allergies every year. People with preexisting grass and tree pollen allergies are also more likely to be vulnerable to ragweed allergies. Nevertheless, there is a demographic that is primarily sensitive to ragweed plants and do not have spring allergy symptoms. Researchers are not sure why some people only react to ragweed pollen and not to other types of pollen especially since there are 12,000 species of grass and only 17 different species of ragweed in the US.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Unfortunately, pollen allergy sufferers, especially ragweed pollen, can also develop a condition called oral allergy syndrome. People who develop oral allergy syndrome suffer from an array of symptoms when eating. For example, those with ragweed allergies may experience sneezing or even itchy mouths, scratchy throats or swelling of their throat, mouth, tongue, or lips when consuming things like vegetables, fruits, or variations of tree nuts. The reason why some people react to these foods is because the proteins in these foods mimic the makeup of ragweed pollen, which then triggers your immune system to identify these foods as allergens. In fact, every time a seasonal allergy sufferer eats those common fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, herbs or spices that include proteins similar to those in the pollens they are sensitive to, they are adding another stressor to their already struggling immune system.
Oral allergy syndrome is a multifaceted condition. Pollen allergies do not just impact your sinuses, they also impact your gut health. Did you know that 70% of the makeup of your immune system lies within your gut? This is another confirmation that it is better to take a holistic approach to treating allergies than just using medications or allergy shots.
By recognizing seasonal allergies as an interaction between your gut and sinuses, you will be able to find relief for your body as a whole. The practice of holistic medicine focuses on you and how each part of your body is interdependent—when one part of you suffers, so does your entire being.
Holistic Care for Allergies is a Phone Call Away
There is no need to suffer with allergies through August, nor any time of the year. St. Louis Allergy Relief Center provides comprehensive treatment that is free from pain, pills, sublingual drops, needles, invasive treatments, or avoidance. The treatments are painless and effective. The goal of our holistic treatments is to provide a long-term solution. The summer is a beautiful time to be outside, to travel, and to spend time with loved ones. If you suffer from allergies, we can help you today. As non-avoidance is one of our cornerstones, our goal is to get you outside and feeling like yourself again. Whether your child is inclined to suffer from allergens in August, or you are reading this for yourself or a loved one, we can help you.
St. Louis Allergy Relief Center treats allergies holistically without the use of pain or pills. We are an allergy wellness center specializing in natural treatments using Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT). After completing a comprehensive assessment and testing process, we provide you with a detailed evaluation and treatment plan to help with the seasonal, food, environmental, and chemical stressors that may be triggering allergies or allergy-like symptoms. Visit our website stlouisallergyrelief.com to learn more or call us at 314-384-9304.
Works Cited:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy-pictures/your-month-by-month-guide-to-allergies.aspx
https://www.familyallergy.com/allergies/fight-summer-allergies/