Chicago Allergy & Asthma

Summer Allergies

Summer Allergies

With Memorial Day here and being the unofficial kick-off of the summer season, we at Chicago Allergy &
Asthma want to remind everyone about summer allergies. Not just for yourself, but for those around
you as you visit with family and friends and enjoy vacations.

During the summer, there are many allergens such as trees, grasses, plants, insects, molds, and foods to name just a few. Knowing the signs
and symptoms of an allergic reaction can help not only yourself but also someone around you. Symptoms can range from mild to severe with itchy watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, a localized red bump at the sight of a bite, hives, numbness and tingling of the mouth and face, trouble breathing, swelling, the closing of the throat, and anaphylaxis. Knowing what to do depending on the presenting symptoms can help ease and treat mild symptoms to potentially save a life.

Mild symptoms can normally be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine. A severe reaction will usually require either emergency/rescue medication, like an epi-pen, or immediate medical intervention. If anyone experiences an allergic reaction, especially after a first-time exposure, it is recommended to see an allergy specialist for testing, evaluation, treatment, and a care plan. If you find previous allergic reactions seem more severe, come see us.