Summer time is finally here (almost, use your imagination)!
That means barbeques, days at the beach and hikes through the woods. Who
doesn’t love getting out, enjoying some fresh air and experiencing all the beauty
that Houston has to to offer? But what of those with allergies? Oh, you think
people only experience allergies during the fall and spring?
Think again! Allergies are around during every season, and
summer is no exception. While pollen may be less of a concern, there are still
plenty of allergies in the Houston area to go around.
Sunscreen. It is the backbone to any summer outing.
Important to protect yourself from burns, skin cancer and really, everyone
looks cool with a little shine on the bridge of their nose. Many of the
sunscreens on the market contain chemicals that our bodies are not use to. Some
may breakout in a rash or hives after a few minutes or hours of wearing the
sunscreen.
Barbecues. How fun. The kids are running around the
backyard; the adults are enjoying some cold beverages huddles around the picnic
tables trading stories from their weeks so far. Those that have a severe
allergy to tree pollen may find that they begin to experience an allergic
reaction once that barbecue is underway. This is because the wood that is being
burned, usually to add flavor to the meat, may still contain pollen. That
pollen is released into the air once the tree is burned.
Insects. Maybe the worst part about summer? You swat at
them, you light candles to keep them away but sometimes no matter what you do
the bugs just keep on coming. Yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets
and fire ants are the five types of insects that are known to create the most
severe type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The reaction to an insect
sting is hard to predict, you may be fine the first time you are stung by a bee,
but the next time you could suffer from a severe reaction.
The only surefire way to prevent yourself from suffering
from a summertime allergic reaction is to visit your Houston allergyspecialist. The allergist will run a series of tests to determine what you are
allergic to. You can then work on a treatment plan before the warm weather sets
in. You may be advices to carry an epinephrine
auto injector with you. This is the only known treatment for a life threatening
reaction.
