Uncommon summer allergies

Some allergies are less frequent, still common in the summer.

 

1. Oral allergy syndrome and OAS Grass Pollen-Induced Food Cross-Reactivity: Similar to OAS, but specifically linked to grass pollen

• Symptoms: Itchy throat/mouth when eating celery, melons, or tomatoes during peak grass pollen season.

 

2. Mold Allergies from Compost and Mulch: Decomposing plant material in compost bins or mulch piles releases spores, especially in warm, humid weather.

• Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or asthma-like symptoms after gardening.

 

3. Caterpillar or Moth Allergies: Tiny hairs or spines from some summer caterpillars can cause allergic reactions on contact.

• Symptoms: Itchy rash, welts, or respiratory symptoms from airborne hairs.

 

4. Seawater-Associated Allergies (e.g., Seaweed, Plankton): Some people react to proteins in certain marine organisms that bloom in warm weather.

• Symptoms: Itchy rash or hives after swimming in certain coastal waters.

 

5. Mosquito and fire ants bites; Rare Insect Saliva/Protein Sensitivities: Beyond common mosquito or ant bites, some people are allergic to the saliva of less common insects like deer flies, horseflies, or even kissing bugs.

• Symptoms: Severe localized swelling, itching, or systemic reactions.

 

6. Solar hives and Heat-Induced Urticaria (Not Solar Urticaria): A reaction to increased body temperature, not directly from the sun. Often confused with solar hives.

• Symptoms: Small itchy welts during or after exercise or exposure to heat/humidity.

 

7. Allergy to Summer Fruits with Sulfites or Preservatives: Sensitivity not to the fruit itself, but to chemicals used in preservation (e.g., in dried mangoes, or pre-cut melons).

• Symptoms: Hives, breathing issues, or stomach upset.

 

8. Airborne Allergens from Agricultural Activity: Exposure to dust, grain particles, and chemicals during harvest or hay baling season.

• Symptoms: Rhinitis, eye irritation, or asthma exacerbations, often mistaken for simple “dust allergies.”

 

9. Barbecue Smoke Exposure: smoke from a summer barbecue can trigger allergic-like reactions or exacerbate existing conditions, especially in people with respiratory issues or sensitivities. While not a true allergen in the strict sense, barbecue smoke contains a mix of irritants.

• Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness. Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, itching of the eyes or throat. Red, itchy, burning eyes; excessive tearing.

 

10. Thunderstorm Asthma: It’s a mass asthma event triggered by thunderstorms, especially when pollen counts (usually grass pollen) are high. Storm winds pull pollen grains and mold spores into the storm clouds. Humidity in the clouds breaks the pollen grains in tiny fragments that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. The storm winds push these particles down to ground level and spread them rapidly, triggering asthma symptoms.

• Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, rapid breathing, in severe cases, respiratory distress requiring emergency care.

 

11. Red Meat Allergy (Alpha-Gal Syndrome): is considered a summer-related issue because ticks are most active in late spring through early fall, outdoor activities (hiking, camping, hunting) increase in summer. The Lone Star tick (in the U.S.) and other tick species can transmit alpha-gal into the human body when they bite, sensitizing the immune system and leading to allergic reactions when red meat is later consumed.

• Symptoms: Hives or itchy rash, swelling of lips, face, or throat, stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting, difficulty breathing, in severe cases: Symptoms can appear weeks or months after the tick bite, often catching people by surprise during BBQ season.