Watch Out for These Allergies in Summer

During summer, we all dream of a wonderful vacation. Sunbathing, swimming and outdoor activities are essential parts of a holiday. However, there are precautions to observe. Some allergies triggered during summer can cast a shadow over the vacation we've been anticipating all year! Acıbadem Fulya Hastanesi Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış emphasized that all allergies, regardless of their cause, are a response of the immune system. Atmış states, "With a strong immune system, the development of allergic diseases or the body's excessive reaction to existing allergens can be largely prevented. Creating healthy and balanced meals with fresh, clean, unprocessed foods, paying attention to sleep schedule and exercising regularly play a key role in having a strong immune system. However, if allergic complaints are persistent or cannot be controlled by simple precautions, you should definitely consult a specialist." So which allergies threaten us most frequently during summer, particularly while on vacation? More importantly, what precautions should we take to protect ourselves from these allergens? Acıbadem Fulya Hastanesi Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış shared the 6 most common allergies seen in summer heat and offered important recommendations.

Sun Allergy

Sun allergy is redness, swelling and/or rash on the skin caused by sun rays. The complaints that develop in the body can vary depending on the duration of sun exposure and the individual. Sometimes these reactions can also appear as eczema caused by perfume, lotion or cream applied before sun exposure. How to protect yourself? Avoid staying in the sun between 10:00-16:00 hours when the sun's rays hit the ground most directly. Always wear sunglasses and a hat outdoors. Avoid using perfume or lotion on sun-exposed areas of your body. Prefer dark-colored and long clothing that covers your arms and legs. Apply sunscreen to your skin 30 minutes before going outside and repeat the process every 2-3 hours.

Pollen Allergy

As summer arrives, plants that grow, flowers that bloom and grass that extends create a serious source of pollen. The most responsible factor for summer allergies is the more intense pollen from grass, hay and grain during this period. How to protect yourself? Do not open windows and doors during morning and midday hours when pollen is most dispersed in the air; if possible, avoid going outside. When you return home or to your hotel from outside, wash your clothes and dry your laundry indoors if possible. Do not neglect to shower as soon as you arrive home or at your hotel.

Insect/Bee Allergy

In summer heat, because we spend more time in the open air and nature, allergies related to insect bites can develop. Wild bees, ants and wood mites are among the insects that can cause allergic reactions. Insect bites can range from simple redness to cramp-like abdominal pain and vomiting, and in more severe cases can lead to life-threatening serious conditions such as breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış, who warned that emergency room care is required in such a situation, continues as follows: "For example, an individual allergic to bee stings can develop serious problems such as significant swelling in the body and face, drop in blood pressure, fainting and loss of consciousness after a single sting. If you have a known allergy to bee stings or notice any of the warning signs mentioned, you should immediately seek care at the nearest health facility. How to protect yourself? Do not wear clothing in colors resembling flowers such as pink, yellow and red that could attract bees. Besides what you wear, how you smell is also important. Do not use flower-scented perfumes. Prefer long-sleeved and long-legged clothing that protects your body. Do not consume sweetened drinks in the open air. For insect bites, you can use protective sprays or lotions available at pharmacies.

Chlorine Allergy

Although we generally prefer the sea to cool off in hot weather, we also cannot resist the enjoyment of swimming pools. However, chlorine used in pools for disinfection purposes can also cause allergies. When allergy develops, redness and itching appear on the skin and/or eyes. Additionally, nasal congestion, nasal itching, sneezing and watery eyes can develop.

How to protect yourself?

If you have a known chlorine allergy, it is best not to swim in pools. Even if you are not allergic to chlorine, take a good shower after every pool visit to clean all chlorine from your body. Avoid pools whose cleanliness you are not certain about.

Fruit Allergy

Almost all foods can be allergens, but the most common allergenic foods are cow's milk, eggs, nuts, grains and legumes, shellfish and soy. Strawberries, watermelon and peaches, which stand out for their taste during summer, are fruits with somewhat more pronounced allergenic properties. Following consumption of food that causes an allergic reaction, symptoms can range from mild signs such as nasal discharge, nasal congestion, skin rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating to suddenly developing, life-threatening conditions that can progress to anaphylaxis.

How to protect yourself?

If you have a food allergy, you and your family should be as informed as possible about this issue and avoid allergenic foods. For example, make it a habit to carefully read the contents of prepared foods you buy from markets. In restaurants, always share information about your allergic condition with restaurant staff.

House Dust Mites

Another allergenic factor we should be careful about while on vacation is 'house dust mites'. During summer, because we open more doors and windows, more dust mites enter the room. Additionally, air conditioners, if they do not have adequate filtration systems or are not cleaned at regular intervals, can become a breeding ground for house dust mites. How to protect yourself? If possible, keep doors and windows closed and cool with an air conditioner that has an air purification filter. The clothes you wear when going to bed at night should be different from the clothes you wear during the day so that allergens are not transferred to the bed. Change your pillows and sheets regularly at frequent intervals. Do not neglect to have air conditioner filters cleaned at regular intervals and perform regular maintenance. If you are staying at a hotel, you can confirm whether staff have performed this maintenance by asking them. If you are allergic to house dust (mites), pay special attention to ensuring there are no carpets in the accommodation where you will stay during vacation, such as a hotel, guesthouse or home. This is because carpets are an important source of mites, which can trigger allergies.