Summer is a great season to engage in outdoor activities, but it is also the worst time of year for people who suffer from allergies.

During this time, you may have symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose because the amount of pollen and other allergens increases in warm weather.

Thankfully, you can take steps to protect yourself against allergy symptoms. These steps, as given by allergist specialist, include:

Minimize your exposure

The most important thing you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen and other allergens is to keep your windows closed, particularly during peak pollen production hours.

This is because pollen particles can easily enter your house or office through open windows, causing an allergen accumulation.

Pollen counts are highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Stay inside as much as possible during these times, especially on windy days.

Consider using a mask to protect yourself from airborne allergies when going outside. Wearing a mask will help filter out pollen and other allergens that would be inhaled.

If you have a respiratory problem, such as asthma, wearing a mask outside is even more vital.                     

Filter the air getting into the house.

Installing air filters in your home or business effectively prevents pollen and other allergen exposure. Air filters help capture and remove particles from the air, reducing the number of irritants that may trigger allergic reactions.

Air filtration systems work by trapping pollutants in the air on a filter medium, which you remove when changing the filter.

This helps clean indoor air by removing dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens you could have inhaled.

Many different types of air filtration systems are available for purchase at hardware stores or online merchants.

Some models even include built-in sensors that detect changes in indoor air quality and notify you when the filter material needs to be replaced.

You should note that installing the correct system isn’t enough—you must also perform routine maintenance as the manufacturer directs to keep your air filtration system running smoothly. This entails changing filters, cleaning the unit, and verifying that the system operates well.

Take the proper medication.

Over-the-counter medicines and allergy shots can be helpful techniques for lowering symptoms during the summer. While these procedures aren’t usually essential for minor cases of seasonal allergies, they can help those with more severe symptoms or who don’t respond well to conventional treatments.

Over-the-counter medications are typically used to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itching eyes, and a runny nose.

The most often used OTC allergy drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.

Following the directions on the medication package is essential for the best results. If symptoms persist or worsen after taking an over-the-counter medication, you should consult your doctor.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are injections of a small amount of allergen that are repeated until the body develops a tolerance.

Where other procedures have failed to relieve severe allergies, allergy shots may be advised. When going for them, you should note that they can take many months to become effective and should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Keeping a strong immune system is vital for fighting allergic pollen. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves:

• Getting enough sleep.
• Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Engaging in regular physical activity.

Enough rest allows the body to repair itself and prepare for new challenges. As a rule of thumb, you should ensure enough sleep.

Individual sleep requirements vary, but most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep every night for maximum health and well-being. If you have problems sleeping regularly or are excessively sleepy during the day, consult a healthcare expert to treat any underlying issues.

Your body’s ability to fight seasonal allergies may increase with a balanced, nutritious diet rich in freshly prepared fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants and other minerals, such as vitamins C, E, B6, and B12, as well as selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, can help improve your immune system.

Drinking sufficient water is necessary for maintaining proper hydration, which in turn assists in removing waste products from the body and transporting essential nutrients to the cells.

Consistent physical activity is a strong way to boost one’s immunity. This is achieved by increasing circulation and oxygen levels throughout the body.

Aim for at least thirty minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Walking, running, or cycling are wonderful ways to enhance overall health and lessen allergic reaction symptoms.

Wear the proper clothing.

In the summer, wearing the correct clothing might help decrease your exposure to pollen and other allergies. While it may be impossible to eliminate allergens, wearing natural fibers clothing can help mitigate their effects.

Opt for clothing made of natural materials such as cotton or linen rather than synthetic textiles such as polyester or rayon. Natural fibers allow more air to flow and do not collect dust and pollen as easily as synthetic materials.

Furthermore, it is critical to use breathable materials so that sweat does not pool on your skin, reducing irritation from contact with allergens. If feasible, use lighter hues that will not attract as much sunlight and heat, which might aggravate allergy reactions.

When selecting new garments, it is crucial to consider the fabric finishes used. This is because some finishes, such as waxes, oils, dyes, or waterproofing agents, may include chemicals that irritate sensitive skin or induce an allergic reaction.

Parting shot

Keeping allergy symptoms under control during the hot summer can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Reduce your exposure to allergens, install air filters, invest in high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters, wear protective clothing, and live a healthy lifestyle to lessen the severity of your symptoms and make it easier to spend time outside.

With these helpful ideas for managing summer allergies under your belt, you should be able to enjoy everything this season has to offer without having to worry about unpleasant allergy symptoms.

If you experience severe symptoms, visit an allergy doctor immediately.