Summer Allergies that Never End
If you think that the name "summer allergies" implies that your allergy symptoms will be contained to the summer months, you may be in for a big surprise when your sneezing, running nose, itchy eyes and throat and fatigue seem to go on for way too long. In fact, summer allergies can actually be just a fancy name for symptoms that are triggered by a variety of sources and can occur at any time of year.
Is it a Winter Cold or Summer Allergies?
When you find yourself sniffling and sneezing this winter and think you could have a cold, if the symptoms don't resolve in a week or two, you may want to consider whether summer allergies can be the cause. Further, if your symptoms seem to occur intermittently, that's another sign that you may have summer allergies all year long.
Winter Triggers, Summer Symptoms
It's also important to know that while your allergy symptoms will likely be the same, regardless of when they occur, your triggers can change depending on the season. For instance, in the summertime, you could find that outdoor things like pollen, mold, grass and trees can cause you to cough and sneeze. But in the wintertime, it's more likely that your allergies are sparked by indoor sources, including pet dander, dust mites, mold and bugs. Also keep in mind that during the winter months, you'll be spending more time shut up inside breathing in scents from a variety of products including perfumes, hairsprays, cleaning products. In addition, seasonal items including holiday decorations and fireplaces can be allergy triggers you'll want to avoid.
Take Control
If your summer allergies seem to be here to for the unforeseen future, you don't have to sit back and be miserable day after day. When your summer allergies won't go away and you can't bear the thought of them lingering, you can talk to your allergist and try to identify what's causing them. Often, simply avoiding your triggers can make a significant difference. You can also take allergy medications to manage your condition and head off the symptoms. With a little effort, you can control summer allergies so you won't have to suffer with them winter after winter.
Sources:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
