Dealing with Summer Allergies

Since trees are usually done pollinating by the late spring, grasses and weeds are the biggest culprits behind summer allergies.

Some of the most common summer allergy triggers include:

• Ragweed
  
• Cockleweed
  
• Pigweed
  
• Russian Thistle
  
• Sagebrush
  
• Tumbleweed
  
• Bermuda Grass
  
• Blue Grasses
  
• Orchard Grass
  
• Red Top Grass
  
• Sweet Vernal Grass
  
• Timothy Grass
  

Other factors, like air pollution, can make allergies feel worse. One of the most common pollutants, ozone, tends to accumulate around some cities during the summer.

Summer is also rife with allergic reactions from insect stings, including bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and biting fire ants.

Indoor molds may grow in damp basements and bathrooms to cause additional discomfort for summer allergy sufferers.

Dust mites also peak during summertime, since they thrive best in warm and humid temperatures. Their residue can get into the air and trigger sneezing, wheezing, and runny noses.

Best practices to minimize summer allergies:

• Stay indoors on high pollen-count days.
  
• Close doors and windows to keep allergens out, and use an air purifier.
  
• Clean or replace air filters often.
  
• Regularly clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen or dust can collect.
  
• Wash bedding and rugs in hot water to eliminate dust mites or other allergens.
  
• Shower and change your clothes after being outside to wash away any pollen.
  
• Vacuum often, and wear a mask, since vacuuming can disturb allergens trapped in your carpet.
  
• Wear a mask when mowing your lawn to avoid pollen.
  
• Keep the humidity in your house between 30% and 50% to help prevent the growth of dust mites.