The Other Allergy Season

The “dog days of summer” simmer down in August, typically one of the hottest months of the year in the U.S. One thing that really doesn’t wind down is allergy season. While spring gets all the attention, summer packs its own wave of potential allergens.

Allergy triggers like grass and weed pollen, mold, and insect bites and stings are summer specials. Many trees, grasses, and weeds pollinate during the summer months. Warm, humid weather is ideal for mold growth. And our penchant for increased outdoor activity exposes us to insect bites and stings, which can cause allergic reactions.

The kicker with summer allergies is that higher temperatures and humidity can exacerbate allergy symptoms and potentially worsen the allergic reaction.

And speaking of dog days – another potential source of allergies during summer and year-round is “man’s best friend.” Around 65 million American households (roughly 40% of all households) have at least one dog, which is great because owning a dog can significantly improve both mental and physical health.

Studies show that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Furthermore, dogs can ease loneliness, reduce stress and anxiety, and even boost mood.

However, dog hairs and especially their dander (dead skin cells) can cause allergies. That runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes you’ve been blaming on pollen may actually be a reaction to your pet.

Unless you happen to be one of the rare few who have extreme allergic reactions, there is no reason to curtail your summer activities or hand over “Rover.” Allergy relief is possible, starting with a number of over-the-counter medications that can reduce symptoms. Popular options include antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin), as well as corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone and triamcinolone.

However, if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life – and over-the-counter medications aren't providing relief – talk with a practitioner at St. Francis - Emory Healthcare. Consulting with one of our clinicians can help determine the cause of your allergies, develop an effective treatment plan, and potentially prevent more serious complications.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can find one here or call 706.596.4350.

Bottom line – allergies are something to sneeze at. Don’t let them dog you this summer!