Preventing Summer Allergies
We typically associate allergies with Spring and Autumn, but summer allergies can be just as bad for allergy sufferers.
Here are four summer allergies to look out for
1) Grasses and weeds
Though most grasses and weeds have finished pollinating by the end of spring, some varieties continue into the summer months sparking hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose/eyes and runny nose.
These pesky symptoms can ruin the most idyllic summer day, so take the following precautions to help preventing summer allergies:
- Avoid the outdoors – Avoid venturing outside on high pollen days, and keep your doors and windows closed. If you can’t avoid the outdoors, wear sunglasses and try covering your mouth and nose. check the pollen forecast HERE
- Keep it clean – Shower and change your clothes after being outside for extended periods to keep pollen out of the house (and, in particular, off your couch and bedding!).
- Brush your pets, often – Pollen sticks to fur so if you have outdoor pets, make sure to brush them down before you let them back into the house.
- Dry your laundry in the house – Pollen also loves to stick to clothing. Where possible, dry your clothes on a drying rack inside or make use of the dryer.
2) Higher smog levels
Smog (pollution) is often at its worst in summer. This is because it is created when nitrogen oxides (from car exhaust pipes, coal power plants and factory emissions) react with sunlight.
High smog levels can lead to coughing, throat or chest irritation and worsening of asthma symptoms, so take the following precautions to protect yourself:
- Avoid the outdoors – Avoid going outside on hot, smoggy days when smog warnings are in place.
- Cover up – Wear a mask when traveling in high smog areas.
- Tone it down – The higher your heart rate, the higher your chances of experiencing respiratory problems. So, stick to gentle activities/exercises on smoggy days.
3) Insect bites
Insects, especially mosquitos, are more active during the summer months.
Allergic reactions to bites can result in unpleasant symptoms such as excessive swelling, pain at the bite site, and, in some cases, can cause more severe reactions such as dizziness, nausea and anaphylaxis.
Try these tips to keep insects at bay:
- Slap on some insect repellent – especially at dusk when mosquitoes come out.
- Keep windows and doors closed – at home, work or in the car to prevent insects from entering
- Wear suitable clothing – consider wearing long sleeves, pants and/or closed shoes to reduce the amount of exposed skin on your body, and avoid walking barefoot through grass
4) Mould and dust mites
Moulds and dust mites thrive in warm, damp areas which are common during hot, humid summers!
The symptoms of mould and dust mite allergies are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion and dry, scaling skin, and can even trigger asthma attacks. So reduce your exposure by:
- Using air filters – use air filters in your house to get rid of mould spores in the air and environmental dust that dust mites feed upon. Make sure to clean them regularly.
- Reduce moisture – consider purchasing a dehumidifier to help keep the humidity in your home or workplace between 30-50%, which will help prevent dust mites and mould from thriving.
- Wash fabrics – Wash bedding and rugs in hot water (and add a splash of tea tree oil) to remove allergens and kill dust mites and mould spores.
Natural Allergy Treatment
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the substances triggering your allergy symptoms. Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.
PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, useful in preventing summer allergies, that;
- draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- aims to re-train your body
- may reduce your reactions to food and environmental substances that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the food and environmental substances triggering your allergy symptoms.
Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.
We stimulate acupressure points down the spine with a chiropractic tool called an ‘Acustim’, while you are holding onto a sample vial of the substance, which aims to to re-train your body to no longer react to the substance.
Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send us your question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Related Articles
Hay Fever and Sinusitis
It’s common for hay fever sufferers to experience mild to moderate symptoms of hay fever year-round due to perennial triggers, with symptoms becoming severe during spring due to seasonal triggers.
Hay Fever in Children
Hay fever in children is common, with up to 30% of children experiencing symptoms. Most allergy sufferers first start experiencing symptoms in early childhood, and can continue to cause issues as they age.
