Do you experience a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes in the summer? You are not alone. According to the Allergy Foundation, allergies affect a third of South Africans. Forty percent of sufferers are children, with eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) being the most frequent allergic conditions.
Know the causes of allergies
Allergens are environmental substances that cause allergic symptoms. With numerous allergens in the environment – both indoors and out – it can be tricky to determine your personal triggers. But once you do, you can reduce your exposure to them and put together the best treatment plan. Allergy tests (skin prick, patch and blood tests) are the most reliable way to find out, so speak to you family doctor about which tests best suit your symptoms.
Common summer allergy triggers
Pollen
Grasses and tree pollens are the chief culprits. In the Cape, grass pollen season runs from September to March. On the Highveld, it lasts up to 10 months of the year.
Mould
Although mould is an all-year allergen, it can peak in summer thanks to higher humidity.
Insects
The waste produced by some household insects – particularly dust mites and cockroaches – contains enzymes that can trigger allergies throughout the year but which peak in summer.
Ways to prevent summer allergies
1. Wash your hair. Pollen can stick to your hair and then transfer to other surfaces in your home.
2. Change your sheets. Bed linen should also be washed regularly to reduce both dust mite waste and outdoor allergens that have found their way in.
3. Hang laundry inside. If pollen is your trigger, this reduces your exposure.
4. Check for damp. It’s important to keep an eye out for leaks, condensation, and other sources of moisture around the home to avoid problems like mould and insect infestations.
5. Keep the temperature low. Insects and dust mites are attracted to warmer temperatures, so it can help to keep your home cool.
6. Keep the windows shut. Reduce your pollen exposure by keeping your house and car windows closed.
7. Wear a mask. When the pollen count is high, this can help when you’re exercising or spending time outdoors.
Also read: Tips for an allergy-free spring
* Reliance on any information provided on this Website is solely at your own risk.
The content of this Website is provided as a service to you for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need medical advice, you should seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images