If you or your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suffers from allergies, you may already know that the season is NOT limited to springtime. In fact, summer allergy symptoms can actually be just as severe as spring and fall symptoms, according to Michael Foggs, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
According to Foggs, “Symptoms aren’t always limited to the hallmark sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Black eyes, lines across the nose and other cosmetic symptoms can occur.”
What many people are unaware of the fact that allergies can actually occur anytime during the lifespan-even if an individual was not previously allergic to a specific allergen. Allergies can wreak havoc with your health any time of the year for folks at any age.
If you or your loved one suddenly develops sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, red swollen dark circles under the eyes (due to swelling and congestion of small blood vessels, and/or inflamed adenoids (the lymph tissue that lines the back of the throat)-allergies should be suspected.
“Allergens” is the term for substances a person is allergic to. Pollen, mold and insect bites are a few of the most well-known offenders that can cause summer allergy symptoms. According to ACAAI, allergy sufferers may not realize that a condition called “food pollen syndrome” can occur when fresh produce causes allergy symptoms-as a result of “cross reacting allergens” found in both pollen and raw fruits, vegetable and specific nuts.
Common environmental summer allergens include, weeds & grasses, ragweed, pigweed, thistle, sagebrush, tumbleweed and more. Ragweed is one of the most common culprits for summer allergy sufferers. Ragweed can actually travel hundreds of miles, so even if it does not grow in your geographical area, it can still cause allergic symptoms.
“Summer allergy symptoms can easily be mistaken for colds, food intolerances or other ailments,” said Dr. Foggs. “If your symptoms are persistent and lasting for more than two weeks you should see your allergist for proper testing, diagnosis and treatment. Finding and treating the source of your suffering can also clear up other unwanted symptoms.”
Find an allergist in your area at AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s prevention by CLICKING HERE to sign up for our 25 lesson course at AlzU.org today.
