Beat the Sneezes: Managing Summer Allergies in Florida

Summer in Florida is synonymous with warm weather, beach outings, and unfortunately, allergies for many residents. The state’s subtropical climate creates an environment where allergens thrive, particularly pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. Common culprits include oak and pine trees, Bermuda grass, and ragweed, which can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Mold spores also flourish in the humid conditions, adding to the allergy woes. Understanding the specific triggers in your area whether you live in Juno Beach, Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter can impact you is crucial in managing these seasonal allergies effectively.

Treating Allergies with Allergy Shots

At Jupiter Internal Medicine, our clinical team specializes in testing and treating allergies at our Jupiter clinic. One of the most effective treatments for severe allergies is immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots. This treatment involves regular injections of allergens in gradually increasing doses, helping your immune system become less sensitive to these substances over time. Typically administered over several years, allergy shots can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms. For Floridians, this means fewer disruptions during the beautiful summer months and a better quality of life, as they can enjoy outdoor activities without the constant discomfort of allergy symptoms whether you are a cyclist or a golfer in Palm Beach County.

Benefits of Allergy Testing at Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates

To manage allergies effectively, identifying the specific allergens causing your symptoms is essential. Allergy testing, which can be done through skin tests, provides a precise diagnosis. This information is invaluable as it guides the treatment plan, ensuring it targets the right allergens. For example, if a test reveals a strong reaction to oak pollen, a targeted approach can be developed, including avoidance strategies and personalized immunotherapy. Early testing and diagnosis can prevent the escalation of symptoms and help you stay ahead of the allergy season.

Maximizing Allergy Relief

Combining allergy shots with other management strategies can offer comprehensive relief. In addition to immunotherapy, using over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can help control symptoms. Environmental control measures, such as keeping windows closed during high pollen periods, using air purifiers, and maintaining indoor humidity levels, can also reduce exposure to allergens. By understanding your specific allergies and employing a multifaceted approach to treatment, you can enjoy the summer in Florida with minimal disruption from allergies. Be sure to call our office today to learn more about allergy shots and testing.

When it’s finally time to store away your winter coats and boots, it’s also a good time to rid your home of the allergens that accumulated over the winter, an allergist suggests.

“If you aren’t someone who regularly undertakes spring cleaning, consider tackling it this year,” said Dr. Todd Mahr, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“A thorough cleaning helps get rid of things like dust, mold, pet dander and other allergens, which may have been making you miserable all winter. Many people think spring and fall is when their seasonal allergies kick in. They might not realize indoor allergens can also cause chaos with your nasal passages and lungs and that a thorough cleaning can help,” Mahr explained in an ACAAI news release.

Pet dander, fur and saliva are among the allergens that can build up during winter. The best way to control them is to vacuum often and wash upholstery, including your pet’s bed. Never let your pet in the bedroom.

Change your air filters every three months and choose ones with a MERV rating of 11 or 12, Mahr advised. Fight dust mites by vacuuming regularly with a cyclonic vacuum — which spins dust and dirt away from the floor — or one equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Wash bedding and stuffed animals weekly.

Mold is another major indoor allergen typically found in the basement, bathroom and kitchen. Reducing moisture is the key to eliminating it. Use bathroom fans and always wipe away any standing water immediately. Use detergent and water to scrub visible mold from surfaces, and then dry surfaces completely. Keep your home’s humidity below 60 percent and clean your gutters regularly to prevent leaks.

As tempting as that fresh, warm air outside is, keep your home’s windows closed during spring, Mahr suggested, because breezes can bring pollen through open windows. Keep your car windows closed too; use your air conditioning.

Mahr pointed out that allergy symptoms can appear before spring actually arrives. By starting to take your allergy medications two to three weeks before symptoms usually begin, you can avoid severe symptoms. If over-the-counter allergy medicines don’t help, talk with an allergist, he said.

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SOURCE: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, news release, Feb. 26, 2019