Summer Allergies

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The summer months come with beautiful flowers, warm weather, and longer days. They also bring the onset of summer allergies.

There are many causes of summer allergies. Some of which include:

  • Ragweed (the most common allergy trigger)
  • Grasses
  • Trees
  • Smog
  • Air pollution
  • Insect bites
  • Mold
  • Dust mites

Summer allergy symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes and nose
  • Dark circles under your eyes.

Some ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers include:

  • Staying indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
  • Avoiding garden chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds that stir up allergens.
  • Removing clothes worn outside and showering to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
  • Avoid hanging laundry outside because pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
  • Wearing a face mask when doing chores outside.
  • Checking your local TV news station or the internet for pollen forecasts and the current pollen levels.
  • Taking allergy medication before symptoms start or if high pollen counts are forecasted.
  • Closing doors and windows at night when there are high pollen counts.
  • Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

There isn’t a miracle product that can get rid of all allergens from the air in your home, but ways to keep indoor air clean include:

  • Using air conditioning in your house.
  • Using high-efficiency filters if you have a forced air conditioning or heating system, and following regular maintenance schedules.
  • Keeping indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
  • Using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
  • Cleaning floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter regularly.

Here are some over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms:

  • Oral antihistamines
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
  • Oral decongestants

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.