Summer Air, Allergy Flare?

Many of us have enjoyed more outdoor fun in the summer months. And why not? It’s a good time for cookouts, trips to the beach and soaking up sunshine.

But for the over 25 million Americans with asthma and 81 million people who battle seasonal allergies, rising temperatures can increase symptoms. So, if you’re sneezing more or struggling to breathe when it’s hot, you're not alone.

But why does this happen?

One reason is the high humidity, which can increase the amount of mold and dust outside as well as the amount of allergens in your home. That increase can trigger symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.

Humidity also leads to lower ozone levels, which can spike pollution (sometimes called smog) and trigger respiratory issues, such as shortness of breath, coughing and asthmatic episodes.

And don’t even get us started on the pollen count!

While we usually associate pollen with the spring, plants, weeds and grasses continue to thrive in the summer months. It can affect us so badly that Americans miss as many as 3.8 million work and school days annually due to allergies. And if you think your allergies are getting worse, you’re not imagining it.

According to one study, plants and trees are producing around 20% more pollen than they did 50 years ago, and “pollen season” (spring to fall) is now three weeks longer due to climate change. The distribution of that pollen can be even worse on windy days or during storms.

So, what can you do to manage your symptoms as the last days of summer cling to the calendar?

• Check local pollen counts, mold forecasts and air quality alerts on apps and websites like AccuWeather and The Weather Channel.
• On high-allergen days, stay indoors. It’s also important to avoid triggers like campfires if you’re going to spend time outside.
• Manage your indoor air quality by keeping humidity levels between 30% and 50%. However, you may also want to dust regularly and use a HEPA filter.
• Take your medications regularly and don’t forget what you need on your vacations! For example, keep your asthma inhaler in your carry-on bag, check the allergen alerts for your destination and ask about allergy-friendly options at your hotel (or wherever you might be staying).

Remember, by being proactive, you can better manage your allergies and asthma, and make your summer months much more comfortable.

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