As the weather gets warmer we enjoy staying outdoors for longer. Picnics, weddings, graduations and other delightful outdoor gatherings are so much fun – but for millions of people with allergies and asthma, pollen and stinging insects can make life a misery.

People with allergies and asthma are more likely to itch, wheeze, sneeze, cough or come out with a rash. Occasionally, a memorable occasion can turn into an agony that you will never forget.

Dr. Myron Zitt, ex-president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), said:

“By planning ahead, people with allergies can still enjoy outdoor events.”

If you have an allergy, the following steps may help make your summer outdoor experiences more enjoyable (Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology):

  • Treatment – before going out, take your allergy medication. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If you do, the medication will be less effective.
  • Cover – wrap-around sunglasses help keep your eyes free of pollen. Wear a hat.
  • Bees and insects – people who are allergic to stinging insects should do their best to avoid them. Remember they tend to hover around uncovered foods and open soda cans, so stand as far away as possible. Bright colored clothing will attract them, go for darker ones. Avoid perfume, bees love perfume! If somebody nearby is stung, walk away. When a bee stings a chemical is released which attracts other stinging insects.
  • Food allergies – beware of outdoor foods that might contain dairy, nuts and other common allergens. They may be hidden in barbecue sauces, salad dressings and salads. If you are particularly sensitive, ask for your grilled food to be cooked in aluminum foil, this prevents cross-contamination.
  • Bushes and other foliage – stay away from poison ivy and other nasty plants you might be allergic to. This means positioning yourself in the middle of open areas, thus minimizing your risk of brushing up against one of these plants.
  • Ozone alerts – if you suffer from asthma be informed about ozone levels. When temperatures are high, air pollution can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Allergy specialists in California, Chicago, Atlanta, New York and many other parts of the USA are warning of a difficult season to come for people with allergies.

April this year in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois was the wettest since records began in 1895, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A very wet April is typically followed by a bad season for allergy sufferers, experts say.

Experts in Chicago are predicting one of the worst allergy seasons ever.

Written by Christian Nordqvist