Lounging poolside on a hot Saturday afternoon, early morning hikes, alfresco dining in the park, it’s time to enjoy our favorite things about the summer season! But as the sun shines brighter and the temperatures rises, it’s also high season for grass allergies, bringing about sneezing, itching and congestion.
To shed light on this seasonal struggle, we turn to Dr. Christine M. Panganiban, a renowned allergist-immunologist at Hoag Medical Group who specializes in diagnosing and treating various allergic conditions, helping patients find relief and regain control over their lives.
“The reason I became an allergist is because when I was in college, I felt so sick and could not get better. I saw my doctor and was prescribed a number of medications including antibiotics and still couldn’t get better … a friend finally told me to go see an allergist,” Dr. Panganiban shared in a recent episode of the Empowered be Hoag Podcast on Allergies vs. Colds. “Within one visit we did all of the testing and figured out it was my wonderful new dog causing all of my symptoms. We started a nose treatment which was life changing for me.”
Dr. Panganiban shares her thoughts on the nuances of seasonal allergies and provides practical tips for managing them effectively during the summer months.
- Know Your Triggers: Understanding what triggers your allergies is the first step toward effective management. Dr. Panganiban emphasizes the importance of identifying specific allergens with allergy testing, whether it’s pollen, dust mite, mold, or pet dander, and taking proactive measures to minimize exposure.
- Stay Informed: Keep tabs on the pollen forecasts in your area. Websites and apps can provide daily pollen counts and allergen levels. Dr. Panganiban recommends limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollen times when possible.
- Protect Yourself: Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes from allergens. Additionally, wearing a mask while gardening or doing heavy yard work can help filter out pollen and other airborne particles.
- Maintain Indoor Air Quality: While a summer breeze is nice, it can bring allergens indoors. Dr. Panganiban recommends using air conditioning with HEPA filters to purify the air and minimize allergen exposure. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can also help reduce indoor allergens.
- Pollen hygiene: Pollen can cling to hair, skin, and clothing, bringing allergy symptoms everywhere you go. Dr. Panganiban recommends showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen particles. Additionally, using a saline nasal rinse can help clear nasal passages and alleviate congestion.
- Allergy Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms. However, for severe or persistent allergies, consulting an allergist for personalized treatment options is a great way to create a long-term plan.
To schedule an appointment with an allergist and immunologist at Hoag, call 949-791-3202. Dial extension 3 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Panganiban. To listen to Dr. Panganiban’s Empowered by Hoag Podcast episode, visit hoag.org/podcasts/.
