Seasonal Summer Allergies and Their Causes

The most common seasonal allergy for both spring and summer is caused by pollen. Wikipedia.org defines pollen as a fine to coarse powder consisting of microgametophytes (pollen grains), which produce the male gametes (sperm cells) of seed plants. Pollen is released from different plants, weeds, grasses and trees and becomes airborne in order to fertilize other plants. When this occurs you then breathe the pollen in, and for allergy suffers this can make for a bad day. Air pollution and Insect bites are the other more common summer allergies. Symptoms of summer allergies can include runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, and dark circles under the eyes. Ragweed can cause oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS causes the throat to become itchy and swollen when you eat a banana, cucumber, melon, or some other certain types of fruits and vegetables. Insect allergy symptoms include, itching and swelling at the bite site. In severe cases it can lead to the throat or tongue swelling, dizziness, nausea, and shock.

The pollen that causes summer allergies is produced from weeds such as Ragweed, Cockle weed, Pig Weed, Russian thistle, and Sagebrush. They are also caused by grasses such as, Bermuda, Fescue, Johnson, June, Orchard, Salt grass, and many others. Another cause of summer allergies is the air pollution known as ozone. Ozone is created in the atmosphere by a combination of sunlight, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons from burning fuels. During the summer when there is more sunlight and softer, lighter winds, a cloud of ozone is created around many cities. The ozone can worsen the symptoms of your allergies. Another allergen in the summer is insect bites. The insects that cause these allergies include bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and many other insects. Some people with insect allergies have to very cautious, since these allergies can become life threatening to those with severe insect allergies. Other allergens in the summer include types of molds, and dust mites

There are a few different tests that can be run in order to diagnose allergies. These tests include a skin test, radioallegosorbant test (RAST), or a scratch test. If you test positive to either of these tests for a certain allergy, it does not mean that you will instantly start coughing, sneezing, or having any of the other allergy symptoms. A skin test is a test that involves injecting a very small amount of a diluted allergen just under the skin. This test is preformed in the arm or the back. If positive you will develop a small wheal or hive at the injection site. A hive or wheal is just a small red bump. The RAST is a blood test used to detect antibody levels to specific allergens. A scratch test is a test preformed using freeze-dried bee venom, in which a tiny amount of it is placed on the skin, and then the skin is scratched. This puts the allergen into the skin. A positive reaction to this test usually includes the area becoming swollen and red.

Treatments for allergies can vary depending not only on the type of allergy, but also on the severity of the allergy. Treatments include but are not limited to antihistamines, decongestants, a combination of the antihistamine and decongestant, Cromolyn sodium nasal spray, eye drops, prescription medication, an allergy shot, and Cortisteroids, Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA's). For severe insect allergy reactions 911 should be called and if you carry epinephrine (adrenaline), it should be immediately injected. For normal insect allergies, put ice on the bite are, use an oral antihistamine, or a topical steroid.

You can help to manage and control you allergy symptoms by taking a few extra precautions during allergy season, and especially when the pollen levels are high. You should try to stay indoors and keep your windows and doors closed as often as you can during these times. You should also make sure to keep you air filters clean and dust often making sure to wear a mask so that you do not breathe in the allergens that can build up inside the home. Vacuuming at least twice a week can also help to keep the allergens out of the air in your home. Remember again to wear a mask when vacuum, since this will also make allergens present in the air temporarily. Wash your beddings and rugs regularly in hot water, and wash your hair after going outside since pollen can build up in the hair and scalp. Always wear a mask when mowing, and keep the humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent in your home. To avoid insect bites, don't wear perfumes, scented lotions, or bright colored clothes, as these are attractants for insects. Always try to avoid insect nests, and keep sodas, fruits, and other foods covered.

Even though you may think your symptoms are caused by allergies, they could be caused by something else. You should see you doctor for correct diagnosis, and in order to determine which treatment would be best for you.