Summer Allergies in St. Louis, Missouri
“Had my first appointment with Dr. Cajigal. She’s wonderful. A different doctor had said there wasn’t much I could do for my allergies, except maybe move out of state. I was desperate and came to the doctor for help. She listened and was very thorough in her diagnosing my problems.”
– Rosana B, 2022

About Summer Allergies in St. Louis
Summer Allergies Overview
Summer Allergies Symptoms
Testing for Summer Allergies
Because of Missouri’s frequent weather changes from warm and humid to damp and cool, perennial (year-round) allergies like indoor mold, pets, dust, and dust mites can also get worse during the Missouri summer time. Summertime mold allergies can be especially troublesome following significant rainfall.
in St. Louis, Missouri
Summer Allergies Symptoms
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red eyes
- Stuffy nose (congestion)
- Itchy mouth and lips
- Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
It’s also possible for summer allergies in Missouri to trigger more severe symptoms, including:
- Hives
- Worsening eczema
- Swollen eyelids
- Wheezing
- Upset stomach
Every allergy sufferer’s experience can be unique.
Summer Allergies vs Spring Allergies
Summer Cold vs Allergies
Summer Allergies vs COVID
COVID often causes body aches, chills, and fever, none of which are associated with summer allergies. COVID also causes dry cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell. While these symptoms are possible with allergies, especially if you have asthma as well, they are typically much more pronounced when you have COVID.
On the other hand, summer allergies often cause itchiness, either in your eyes or your mouth. COVID does not cause itchiness. Importantly, allergies will typically respond to allergy medications, whereas COVID symptoms will not. As a final point, allergies will stick around throughout the summer season, but COVID will typically resolve within 14 days of onset.
in St. Louis, Missouri
Testing for Summer Allergies
A summer allergy diagnosis can usually be confirmed with a simple skin prick test, but Dr. Cajigal may order intradermal testing or blood testing as needed if a skin prick test is inconclusive or cannot be performed.
Summer Allergy Treatment
Tips to Avoid Summer Allergies
- Check your local pollen counts whenever you check the weather
- Limit outdoor activities during times of high pollen counts
- Wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to reduce pollen exposure when outdoors
- Change clothes as soon as you get home if you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors
- Men should shave frequently to prevent pollen from gathering in their facial hair
When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will have additional recommendations for you based on your unique case.
Removing Summer Allergens from Your Home
- Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent frequently to reduce allergens
- Steam clean carpets or remove carpets altogether, especially if they tend to get damp
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust in your home
- Use dust mite proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and box springs
- Regularly clean garbage cans and refrigerator drip pans
- Regularly clean your gutters and ensure drainage flows away from your home’s foundation
- Quickly clean up any spills, leaks, or messes to prevent mold from growing
- Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander in your bedding
- Keep pets off of upholstered furniture
- Consider replacing upholstered furniture to minimize pet dander accumulation
Some of this advice only applies if you have a specific allergy. When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will provide personalized advice for your unique circumstances.
Summer Allergy Medications
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
References
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
Asthma
Drug Allergies
Eye Allergies
Food Allergies
Nasal Allergies
Skin Allergies
Allergy Shots
Allergy Testing
Biologic Therapy


Summer Allergy Specialist
Dr. Sonia Cajigal
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