Heat worsens allergies
Hot weather physically stresses anyone but allergy sufferers may face additional problems. Everything from worsened air pollution to amped up pollen counts can make allergy sufferers more miserable.
Hot weather is more likely in June but this year hot 90+-degree weather has occurred earlier and with it, miserable days spent with allergies. Hot, windy days can be the worse because pollen counts are often kicked up when the air is turbulent.
Experts agree that allergies are at their worse when it is hot, dry and windy. The heat causes the grasses and weeds to go crazy, and the wind sends the pollen grains right to your airways.
Extremely hot temperatures also may be accompanied by thunderstorms which can be a real problem for allergy and asthma sufferers. The wind in the thunderstorms carries pollen grains at ground level that get into the airways.
Another problem brought about by hot weather is worsened air pollution. Ozone and smog can be a trigger for allergies and allergic asthma.
On hot summer days, dry air can cause sinus problems because the mucus in the nose becomes thick and sticky. This thick mucus tends to block the sinuses which creates pressure, congestion, pain, stuffiness and headaches. You also may experience nose bleeds because of dry sinuses.
What do allergy sufferers do then to cope with their symptoms, kicked up by the weather conditions of summer?
•Stay indoors if possible with the air conditioning on and windows closed.
•If you go outdoors, try rubbing a little Vaseline around your nose to help catch some pollen grains that may enter your airways.
•Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses when you go outside.
•Use a neti pot to rinse the nasal passages often. An electronic sinus irrigator may be another option.
•Try using a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moist.
•Avoid going outdoors in the early morning as that is when pollen counts are the worst.
•Take your antihistamines on a regular basis.
•See your doctor if you feel you need additional help coping with your symptoms.
Hot weather is more likely in June but this year hot 90+-degree weather has occurred earlier and with it, miserable days spent with allergies. Hot, windy days can be the worse because pollen counts are often kicked up when the air is turbulent.
Experts agree that allergies are at their worse when it is hot, dry and windy. The heat causes the grasses and weeds to go crazy, and the wind sends the pollen grains right to your airways.
Extremely hot temperatures also may be accompanied by thunderstorms which can be a real problem for allergy and asthma sufferers. The wind in the thunderstorms carries pollen grains at ground level that get into the airways.
Another problem brought about by hot weather is worsened air pollution. Ozone and smog can be a trigger for allergies and allergic asthma.
On hot summer days, dry air can cause sinus problems because the mucus in the nose becomes thick and sticky. This thick mucus tends to block the sinuses which creates pressure, congestion, pain, stuffiness and headaches. You also may experience nose bleeds because of dry sinuses.
What do allergy sufferers do then to cope with their symptoms, kicked up by the weather conditions of summer?
•Stay indoors if possible with the air conditioning on and windows closed.
•If you go outdoors, try rubbing a little Vaseline around your nose to help catch some pollen grains that may enter your airways.
•Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses when you go outside.
•Use a neti pot to rinse the nasal passages often. An electronic sinus irrigator may be another option.
•Try using a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moist.
•Avoid going outdoors in the early morning as that is when pollen counts are the worst.
•Take your antihistamines on a regular basis.
•See your doctor if you feel you need additional help coping with your symptoms.
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