Allergies in Summer: Reactions to Look Out For

Over 44% of the population in the UK affected by at least one allergy, so it is more than likely that you will already know how disruptive having an allergy can be. Whether it’s having to avoid going outside for a long time because of the pollen, the rise in pollution level, or even reactions to bug bites, allergies can really ruin a summer – especially if you have never noticed any allergy symptoms before.

Due to the warm weather and people getting out and about more to enjoy the break in rainy weather, which means, even if you’ve never experienced allergies before, you could potentially develop one if you are spending more time out in the open.

Even though allergies are so common, there can be a variety of symptoms that you should look out for.

Pollen Allergies

One of – if not the – most common summer allergies that people start to notice once the weather warms up. While it is often attributed to flowers, trees are actually one of the main culprits of pollen allergies, kicking off symptoms in late spring and making way from grasses and flower pollen over the summer.

Symptoms of pollen allergies are usually quite recognisable and usually present as follows:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Pressure around the sinuses
• Itchy throat
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Swollen skin around the eyes
• Feeling a little harder to breathe and
• A decreased sense of smell

If you find yourself suffering from these symptoms, it’s usually wise to avoid heading outside unnecessarily when it is a dry, windy day, or use antihistamines as a preventative measure.

You can also help reduce the amount of pollen coming indoors on clothes and shoes by vacuuming regularly during the summer months. Even your furniture could do with a vacuum every now and then to reduce the pollen trapped in the fabric

Insect Bite and Sting Allergies

The summer weather gives us the perfect excuse to get outside more, but it also means that we’re more likely to encounter wildlife as we make the most of the glorious warm weather. It’s almost impossible not to come into contact with insects if you’re spending time outside – but it’s not uncommon to see them indoors, either.

While the majority of insects try to actively avoid humans, there is the chance that you may get bitten – or even stung – by insects which feel threatened. Some people can have reactions to these bites and stings – ranging from mild swelling to severe allergic reaction.

While most bites and stings will cause some redness and pain, an allergic reaction is more serious and should be monitored by a medical professional.

Mild symptoms of a bite or sting allergy are as follows:

• Mild pain
• Redness
• Itching
• Heat radiating from the bite/sting site
• mild/moderate swelling
• Spots or bumps on the skin

A more serious reaction, which needs immediate medical attention, often presents in the following ways:

• Lethargy
• Issues with breathing
• A red, itchy rash extending from the bite/sting site
• Increasingly fast pulse
• Swelling in places such as the mouth, throat and face
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Sudden drop in blood pressure

While you can never be 100% in control of insects and when they will bite or sting, it’s always important to act calmly around them. By not provoking them with flailing arms, you’re less likely to get a bite or sting!

While our vacuums can’t protect you from an angry wasp attack, it can help reduce the pollen in the air to help those pollen allergy sufferers through the toughest season for pollen. If you’d like more information on our Taski vacuum solution, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.