Summertime can bring a host of triggers for those with allergies and asthma. People often focus on spring and fall allergies, but summer allergies can take a toll on those affected. By learning more about seasonal allergies, you can better recognize them and know what to do to help yourself and your family enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.
“When the sun comes out, unfortunately so do summer allergies,” says allergist Cherie Zachary, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). “As the weather heats up, it can bring extra challenges for those with allergies and asthma. However, with a few simple steps, symptoms can be managed and summer festivities can go on as planned.”
Here are five tips from ACAAI to help you better manage summertime allergies and asthma.
1. Fresh fruit causing an itch: Understanding oral allergy syndrome
If your lips tingle or your throat feels scratchy after biting into a fresh peach or a handful of raw carrots, it might be Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome. PFAS can occur when fruits, vegetables or tree nuts are eaten raw. The immune system sometimes misidentifies certain proteins in the foods and causes a localized allergic reaction—like an itchy throat, itchy eyes or ears. People with hay fever, particularly those with allergies to birch, ragweed or grass pollen, are most affected. The good news? Cooking the food typically combats the reaction the proteins are causing. So the same foods are often safe to eat once cooked. A board-certified allergist can help you identify your specific triggers and create a management plan.
2. Sneezing indoors and out? Mold could be the culprit
Mold does not just lurk in dark, damp basements—it grows on logs, fallen leaves, in bathrooms, under sinks and even in fields of uncut grass. If you have a mold allergy, summer’s heat and humidity can create a year-round battle that peaks outdoors. Symptoms can mirror other allergic conditions, including nasal congestion, sneezing, irritated eyes and coughing—and mold can also trigger or worsen asthma. The good news is that there are steps you can take: wearing a mask (like an N95) or taking allergy medications before yardwork, rinsing nasal passages with saline afterward, and controlling indoor moisture with dehumidifiers or exhaust fans can all make a difference. If symptoms persist, an allergist can test for mold allergies and build a management plan tailored to you.
3. From the grill to the beach: Staying safe with food allergies
Summer means cookouts, food festivals, vacation dining and backyard parties—all situations where food allergies can be harder to manage. Shared grills, potluck dishes and unfamiliar restaurant menus make it easy for hidden allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish or sesame to slip in undetected. When heading out this summer, always communicate your allergy needs to hosts and restaurant staff, read labels carefully on packaged foods and never leave home without your epinephrine. If you are hosting, be mindful of your guests’ food allergies and provide them with allergy-safe food if they are not bringing their own. Labels can help identify ingredients in the dishes you are serving.
4. Bonfires and wildfires–managing asthma symptoms
From outdoor bonfires to fireworks to wildfires, summertime activities are often accompanied by an increase in smoke. For those with asthma, it is important to avoid events where smoke is present. If you are unable to completely avoid smoke, there are precautions that can ease symptoms. Wearing a NIOSH N95 mask can filter out smoke and help you breathe easier. A standard surgical mask can also help prevent smoke inhalation. Make sure to keep your asthma reliever with you in the event of an asthma attack.
5. Small habits, big difference: How to combat seasonal allergies
If it feels like your seasonal allergies are starting earlier, lasting longer and hitting harder than they used to, you are not imagining it. Tree, grass and weed pollination periods have increased in recent years. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can combat seasonal allergy symptoms for yourself or your family. Keep windows closed and air conditioning running to limit pollen entering your home. When heading outside, schedule activities early or late in the day to minimize pollen exposure. When you arrive home from an outdoor activity, always shower and wash your clothes thoroughly to keep pollen from getting into the house. Additionally, see a board-certified allergist to help you determine your specific allergies and better manage your allergy symptoms.
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