Summer allergies: The sun is shining, grass is growing and flowers are blooming. Unfortunately for millions of people, a runny nose, sore throat and watery eyes accompany the summer season. To slow the effects of allergies, avoid exercising and gardening outdoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when pollen counts are highest. Wear a dust mask when mowing the lawn or raking leaves and take a shower after outdoor activities to remove pollen from hair and skin. If possible, keep all windows and doors shut and use an air conditioner during peak pollen times.
If allergies persist, seek medical attention. A health care professional can prescribe medicine to fit individual allergy symptoms. Sandy Forsman, a family nurse practitioner on the Spokane Ronald McDonald Care Mobile at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, cautions that while over the counter allergy medicine can be effective, it may cause unwanted side effects. Request new types of prescription medication that can help manage allergy symptoms without side effects, and in some cases, may even prevent allergies altogether.
Beware Bees: Children and adults often love to run around barefoot during the summer, but they need to watch out for bees. Bees and wasps are attracted to sweet scents. To reduce the risk of being stung by a bee, avoid wearing perfume, lotion, and hairspray. Be careful around open garbage cans and exposed foods at picnics, as well.
Bee stings normally cause pain, swelling and redness around the sting site. Chris Riebe, a family nurse practitioner at the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing and manager of the Spokane Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, warns that symptoms such as difficulty breathing, vomiting or dizziness are signs of an allergic reaction and medical attention should be sought immediately.
