As spring transitions into summer, the warmer weather brings higher pollen counts that can trigger allergy symptoms and keep people from enjoying outdoor activities. Smog and air pollution are also worst in the summer and can worsen symptoms.
In a randomized survey of 2,000 U.S. allergy sufferers conducted in April by OnePoll on behalf of Tivic Health, 79% of respondents said they look forward to the changing seasons, but not the potential allergies that come with it. Eighty-six percent of respondents said sinus and allergy issues impact their job performance, while 46% of respondents said allergies even affect their commute to work.
The average worker with allergies misses about one hour per week over the course of a year, and during peak allergy seasons, they can miss up to 32 hours of work in a week. The total cost to employers exceeds $600 million in lost productivity due to allergies.
In the survey, at least half of the respondents find it difficult to walk their dog, and 49% said outdoor activities they enjoy like hiking or boating are impacted by their allergies.
When asked about allergy solutions, 63% of participants said natural and drug-free options impact their purchase decisions.
According to Dr. Alan Goldsobel of Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California, Adjunct Clinical Professor at Stanford University, “A vast majority of patients are not interested in taking more medications – steroids in particular – and don’t want to use nasal steroids even when doctors recommend it.”
Here are some natural, drug-free tips to help manage summer allergies:
- Check the pollen counts in your area and plan activities accordingly. Dry, windy conditions worsen pollen counts. In general, pollen counts are lowest before dawn and in the evenings. The best time to go outside is after a good rain when pollen is cleared from the air.
- If you suspect you’re allergic to certain plants, there are several plant identification apps available to download to your smartphone, including PlantSnap, LeafSnap, or iNaturalist.
- Wear a face mask when you mow your lawn to limit grass pollen.
- Avoid hanging laundry outside as pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
- Keep windows and doors closed, and run your air conditioner to keep allergens out.
- Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier and use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
- Consider a non-invasive, drug-free treatment device like ClearUP® for sinus pain and congestion from allergies, colds, and flu. ClearUP is a bioelectronic device that works with the body’s neural pathways to target sinus pain and congestion and has undergone a full FDA review for safety and effectiveness.
“For fitness buffs and those who enjoy an active, busy lifestyle, ClearUP is an excellent drug-free alternative treatment for allergies, sinus pain, and congestion,” added Dr. Goldsobel. “It’s an excellent complementary treatment for allergies when medications alone do not provide complete relief.”
Other Useful Resources:
2022 Allergy Capitals™ Report: Where Does Your City Rank? (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
Seasonal Allergies: Nip Them in the Bud (Mayo Clinic)
Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers (American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology)
