Are you considering allergy testing to identify seasonal allergies? For many people, summer is the season to enjoy beautiful weather. But if you suffer from seasonal allergies, summer can bring more dread than joy. Although allergies are most often associated with spring and fall, they can also appear in summer. Mold, grass, and plants are common summer allergens that produce unpleasant symptoms like sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and irritated eyes. Fortunately, it is possible to manage your allergies to make the most of the summer.

Set an Outdoor Schedule

Grass and pollen allergies tend to be worse at certain times of the day. Morning is usually the worst. If possible, try to avoid being outside when Las Vegas allergies are most active. Avoid drying your clothes outside, which can also introduce allergens into your home. Consider switching to air conditioning for your home and car rather than opening the windows.

Wear Protective Clothing

Another common summertime allergy is a skin allergy to certain plants, namely poison ivy and poison oak. You may develop an itchy red rash when you come into contact with these plants. If you are prone to irritation from poison oak or poison ivy, try covering your skin when you go outside. Wearing pants and a long-sleeve shirt while hiking can help. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves when gardening. Be sure to wash all clothes that may have come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak. On a windy day, wearing a bandana or mask can also control nasal and respiratory irritation from summer allergies and asthma.

Antihistamines and Allergy Medications

Antihistamines and other over-the-counter allergy remedies can bring relief to people with allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can help control symptoms such as itching following exposure to allergens. Depending on when you plan to be outside, you can take an antihistamine approximately an hour or two beforehand to control symptoms. If you suffer from a runny nose, congestion, or sneezing, nasal steroid sprays may also help control your symptoms. If these allergy medicines don’t bring relief, an allergy doctor in Las Vegas may give you prescription medication.

Immunotherapy

Another option for allergy relief is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a process of introducing your body to small amounts of an allergen at a time. This helps your body slowly build up immunity without causing an allergic reaction. Your doctor might recommend immunotherapy for certain types of allergies in particular, such as an allergy to insect venom. If your reactions to insects are severe, a doctor may prescribe epinephrine to mitigate life-threatening allergic responses.

Summer allergies are no fun, but there are ways to get your symptoms under control. Dr. Tottori, a skilled allergy doctor in Las Vegas, can help you find relief from summer asthma and allergies. Call (702) 240 4233 today or visit our website to schedule an appointment.