Allergists warn summer can intensify allergy and asthma symptoms
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says heat, pollen, mold, smoke and summer foods can all trigger symptoms.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
Summer weather can create new problems for people with allergies and asthma, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The group says heat, humidity, pollen, smoke, mold and summer gatherings can all raise the risk of symptoms during months often associated with outdoor activity.
Dr. Cherie Zachary, president of the ACAAI, said warmer weather can bring added challenges for people with allergic disease and asthma. She said symptoms can often be controlled with basic planning, allowing people to continue summer activities.
Food reactions can be tied to pollen allergies
The ACAAI says some people who feel itching, tingling or scratchiness in the mouth or throat after eating raw fruits, vegetables or tree nuts may have pollen food allergy syndrome, also called oral allergy syndrome. The group says the condition can occur when the immune system reacts to proteins in certain raw foods that resemble pollen proteins.
According to the ACAAI, people with hay fever are most likely to be affected, especially those allergic to birch, ragweed or grass pollen. Symptoms can include an itchy throat, eyes or ears. The group says cooking the food often changes the proteins enough to prevent the reaction, and an allergist can help identify specific triggers.
Mold can rise in summer heat and humidity
Mold is another summer concern, the ACAAI says. It can grow outdoors on logs, fallen leaves and uncut grass, as well as indoors in bathrooms, under sinks and in other damp areas.
The group says mold allergy symptoms can resemble other allergic conditions, including congestion, sneezing, eye irritation and coughing. Mold can also trigger or worsen asthma, according to the ACAAI.
For people who react to mold, the ACAAI recommends steps such as wearing an N95 mask or taking allergy medicine before yardwork, rinsing nasal passages with saline afterward, and limiting indoor moisture with dehumidifiers or exhaust fans. If symptoms continue, the group says testing by an allergist can confirm whether mold is a trigger.
Summer meals can complicate food allergy safety
Cookouts, food festivals, vacation meals and parties can make food allergies harder to control, according to the ACAAI. The group says shared grills, potluck dishes and unfamiliar restaurant menus can expose people to allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish or sesame.
The ACAAI advises people with food allergies to tell hosts and restaurant workers about their needs, check packaged food labels and carry epinephrine. Hosts should also ask about guests’ allergies and label dishes, the group says.
Smoke can aggravate asthma
The ACAAI says bonfires, fireworks and wildfires can increase smoke exposure in summer. People with asthma should avoid smoky events when possible, according to the group.
If smoke cannot be avoided, the ACAAI says a NIOSH-approved N95 mask can help filter smoke, while a standard surgical mask may reduce inhalation. The group also advises people with asthma to keep a reliever medication with them in case symptoms flare.
Pollen habits can reduce symptoms
The ACAAI says tree, grass and weed pollination periods have grown longer in recent years. For people with seasonal allergies, the group recommends keeping windows closed, using air conditioning and planning outdoor activities early or late in the day to reduce pollen exposure.
After outdoor activity, the ACAAI advises showering and washing clothes to keep pollen from spreading indoors. The group says a board-certified allergist can help patients identify their allergies and choose a plan to manage symptoms.
This story draws on original reporting from Medical Xpress.