Things to Know About Summer Allergens

You might think that the season for allergies ends with April and May. However, it is not true. There are certain things that you must know about summer allergens.

Causes of Summer Allergens

There are various causes behind summer allergens. Let us check out some of them so that we can get a clear idea of the things that can lead to summer allergens.

  • Pollen

Although trees pollinate from February to June, grasses pollinate throughout the summer, especially during June or July. Once the grass pollen subsides, the ragweed pollen starts pollinating during August or September. All these things can cause summer allergens. Pollen counts are mostly high during dry or windy days.

  • Mold

It is yet another one of the common reasons behind summertime allergy. Mold increases in warm as well as damp places. When it comes to indoors, you will mostly find them in the kitchen, basements, or bathroom. Similarly, mold grows in yard debris such as leaves or grasses in the outdoors.

  • Foods

There are certain food items that cause allergies. Fruits and vegetables such as melons and peaches lead to allergy symptoms. An allergy testing in OKC can help in detecting the problem and undertaking the right treatment will be easier. However, in some cases, it is not the food that causes the symptoms. it’s the cross-contamination amongst the same proteins.

Symptoms of Allergies

Along with the allergy symptoms, there are certain symptoms we are all familiar with like sneezing, scratchy throat, itchy eyes, etc. Here are a few examples of allergy symptoms.

  • Allergic shiner- Dark circles, swelling as well as discoloration near the eyes happen due to the blood vessels near the eyes becoming congested.

  • Allergic face- When the lymph tissues present at the back of the throat swell, which results in a droopy appearance.

  • Mouth breathing- Severe nasal congestion is one of the biggest symptoms of allergy. As a result, it leads to mouth breathing. It leads to an arched palate, overbite, and elevated upper lip.

Allergy testing

Sometimes whether you are allergic to something can be understood through allergy tests. Mainly there are two different types of allergy tests.

Skin test

In this process, it is best to prick the skin with any suspected allergen. After that, you have to wait for the reaction. In case you develop red bumps in that area, chances are there that you are allergic to the substance. This test has to be done in any allergy clinic.

Blood test

The blood test is also a safe testing method. This test takes a long time to see the results. You only need one prick for drawing blood.

Not sure whether you are allergic to something?

Once you find out the reason behind the summer allergies, primary care helps in keeping the symptoms under control. At Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, we provide allergy testing and treatment options.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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