Surviving Summertime Allergies

As summer gets into full swing, the types of allergens in the air change — and a lot of Oklahomans feel it.

The tree pollen that dominates late winter and spring tapers off around late May to early June, and grasses take over as the primary summer trigger. In our area that means warm-season culprits like Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, start triggering trouble.  Add to that the various types of weeds which release large amounts of pollen, especially during the summer months, and it can be a recipe for misery for some allergy sufferers.

In addition, because grass pollen grains are tiny, light and dry, they can travel for hundreds of miles on Oklahoma’s winds — so you don’t need to be near a freshly mowed lawn to react. 

And, sometimes it isn’t just the grass and weed pollen that affect us, thanks to our infamous Oklahoma weather:

Don’t Forget Mold

Pollen gets the headlines, but summer weather is ideal for mold. Warm temperatures paired with rain or high humidity give mold the moisture it needs to multiply, and unlike pollen, mold spores can linger throughout the summer and well into fall — especially in damp, shaded, or poorly ventilated areas. High moisture levels can also contribute to mold growth indoors, especially in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.

The Trigger That Isn’t Pollen at All: Your Air

Here’s what surprises people — you can have a rough breathing day even when pollen and mold counts are low. Ground-level ozone is created when pollutants from cars and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight, and ozone levels are generally highest on hot, sunny days, often in summer afternoons and evenings. Ozone can increase the frequency of asthma attacks, cause shortness of breath, and aggravate other lung diseases. 

Add in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wind-blown dust, smog, and wildfire smoke that can drift in from far away. These particles are small and they travel deep into the lungs, which is especially hazardous for people with asthma and other lung problems — and the symptoms of inhaling particulate matter often mimic allergies: stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, coughing, and wheezing.

When temperatures are high and the air is stagnant, ozone and particulate levels can climb to unhealthy levels, and prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems for everyone, but especially people with asthma.

Breathe Easier This Summer:

• Check two numbers daily — the pollen/mold report and the Air Quality Index (AQI)
• On high-pollen or high-ozone days, limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed at home and in the car 
• Run A/C and keep indoor humidity between 30–50% to discourage mold
• If you take allergy medication, start before pollen season ramps up — these medicines work best when taken ahead of time
• Persistent symptoms? Get tested so you know exactly what is triggering your allergies