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Summer Allergies in St. Louis, Missouri

Learn about summer allergies in St. Louis, Missouri from a board-certified seasonal allergist. Dr. Sonia Cajigal specializes in testing for summer allergies and summer allergy treatment. Contact us today to schedule your visit!

“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

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Summer allergies in St. Louis Missouri explained by Dr. Sonia Cajigal

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About Summer Allergies in St. Louis

Summer Allergies Overview

Summer Allergies Symptoms

Testing for Summer Allergies

Summer Allergy Treatment

The pollination of grass and weeds is the primary source of summer allergies in St. Louis. Grass will typically begin to pollinate in May and continue through to the end of July, which then leads into ragweed season in August. Those with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are all too familiar with the discomfort that summer allergies can bring, but fortunately there are steps you can take to live more comfortably with 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.

Summer Allergy Relief

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Summer Allergies Symptoms

The symptoms of summer allergies are similar to those of other seasonal allergies. The most common symptoms of summer allergies include:

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

Many allergy sufferers are curious about the differences between summer allergies vs spring allergies. Allergy symptoms are similar between the two seasons, but what causes summer allergies vs spring allergies can vary significantly. Spring allergies are typically caused by pollinating trees and grass, whereas summer allergies are more often caused by grass and weed pollens. Mold can be prevalent during both spring and summer. Depending on what you’re allergic to, you might experience worse allergy symptoms during the summer vs the spring, or vice versa.

Summer Cold vs Allergies

Summer allergies and the common cold have several symptoms in common. Cold symptoms include a runny or congested nose, sneezing, sore throat, scratchy throat, and cough. However, there are subtle differences between summer allergies and a cold. Allergies can cause itchy and watery eyes, which are typically not present with a cold. Allergies cause thin, translucent mucus. Colds, on the other hand, can cause thick, greenish-yellowish mucus. Colds can also cause fever or sweats, which are not a symptom of allergies. Allergies are persistent and longer lasting than the cold. For an otherwise healthy individual, a cold typically lasts three to seven days, but summer allergies will typically persist throughout the season.

Summer Allergies vs COVID

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral illness that can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. Given the many possible symptoms of COVID, it’s common now to mistake summer allergies for COVID or vice versa. However, there are important distinctions between the two illnesses that should help you to tell them apart.

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.

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Testing for Summer Allergies

Summer allergies can be caused by one of many distinct allergens, which is why it’s important to get a formal diagnosis from a board-certified allergist. Testing for summer allergies begins with a detailed medical history where Dr. Cajigal will ask you about your symptoms and when you’ve experienced them. Summer allergies can have a strong environmental component, so details about your home, your work, your pets, and other environmental factors are critical for Dr. Cajigal to diagnose the cause of your 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

Summer allergy treatment consists of allergy avoidance techniques, environmental modifications, and medications to relieve symptoms. Allergy shots may also be an option depending on what you’re allergic to.

Tips to Avoid Summer Allergies

These summer allergy tips can help you minimize your exposure to allergens during the summer allergy season:

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

Your home or work environment could be a significant source of allergy exposure. If you continue to experience symptoms despite the above precautions, thoroughly cleaning your home is a good next step to reduce your spring allergen exposure. Be mindful of mold, damp rooms, dust, and pets. Though not exhaustive, the list below provides some of the more common suggestions to minimize mold, dust, and pet dander allergens in 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

Medications can be used to prevent summer allergy symptoms if taken prior to exposure, and they can also provide relief when an allergic reaction occurs. Antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays are commonly used to treat summer allergy symptoms either proactively or reactively. Dr. Cajigal can help you identify which medications are right for you.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots may be an effective long-term treatment for your summer allergies. Allergy shots are often referred to as a ‘curative therapy’ because they can prevent future allergic reactions and allow you to safely tolerate higher levels of whatever you’re allergic to. Visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about this option.

References

[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: https://acaai.org/
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/

More Specialties

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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"Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma."

- Sue D, July 2020

“Dr Cajigal is a great listener. She trusts her patients instead of treating them as if they are not the experts of their own bodies. I really appreciate that (many doctors do not have that quality). She also immediately treats the symptoms instead of waiting to see if things clear. I use her for my children and myself. We have never left her office feeling as if it was a waste of time.”

– Stephanie, August 2020

"Great Allergist!"

- Ann H, December 2018

"She is the best."

- Stephen W, June 2020

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Summer Allergies in St. Louis, Missouri

About Summer Allergies in St. Louis