If you feel that your allergies have worsened over time, you’re not imagining it.
According to one study, “The pollen season might become longer thereby extending the period in which patients suffer from allergy symptoms. This extension of the pollen season could be due to a prolonged flowering period of certain species, e.g. grasses, or the appearance of new species that flower in late summer, e.g. common ragweed. Climate change could cause an increase in heavy thunderstorms on summer days in the grass pollen season, which are known to increase the chance of asthma exacerbations.”
Yes, you read that right, pollen season is extending later into summer. Below we review some of the culprits behind your summer symptoms.
Pollen
While tree pollen is associated with spring and ragweed pollen is associated with fall, both overlap with grass pollen season, which takes place during the summer. In fact, trees in Hampton Park pollenate until late June, grass peaks in June or July, and ragweed peaks in August or September – all during the summer months.
Mold
While mold is considered a year-round allergen, it’s common in the summertime, especially in humid environments like South Carolina. Mold can be found both indoors – in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements – and outdoors in piles of yard debris.
Foods
Foods are another allergen that can be year-round, though there are some seasonal fruits and vegetables that are more likely to cause summer allergy symptoms, such as melons, peaches, and celery. Cross-contamination can also trigger symptoms.
Insects
Bites from mosquitoes and fire ants and stings from bees, wasps and yellow jackets are especially common in the summer when the insects are most active. Insect bites and stings usually cause mild symptoms like localized pain, itching, swelling and hives, but sometimes can cause serious symptoms like difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.
Smoke
Though smoke is usually considered an irritant rather than an allergen, it can be an allergen if you’re allergic to what’s burning. This is especially true for campfires and forest fires, less so for barbeque smoke. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.