July Fourth brings summertime concerns for allergists

Summer get-togethers like the Fourth of July holiday are occasions for allergists and patients to be aware of seasonal-related allergy symptoms and triggers, according to information from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

“Because it’s a weekend when many people barbecue, allergists should warn their patients with food allergies to be on high alert, especially about hidden food allergens,” Neeta Ogden, MD, an adult and pediatric allergist and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), told Healio.com/Allergy. “Allergists can suggest that patients ask their host what they’re serving beforehand, and do research on their food allergies and hidden allergens.”

Neeta Ogden

Other tips from an ACAAI press release and Ogden included:

Allergists should work with asthma patients on an action plan during days with high humidity and encourage patients to always have a rescue inhaler available, while letting them know they should avoid the peak heat of the day. They also should suggest that patients replace their HVAC filter with a high-efficiency (MERV 11 or higher) filter and change it every3 months. “Humid air is heavier and can make it harder for asthmatics to breath,” Ogden said.
“Doctors should remind patients to always travel with epinephrine and review how to use it,” Ogden said, adding that epinephrine auto injectors are heat and light sensitive.
Fireworks and campfire smoke can cause asthma flares. Allergists should recommend that patients keep a distance from campfires and to sit upwind. A NIOSH N95-rated filter mask should be suggested to patients to keep lungs clear of smoke, the release said.
Allergists should caution patients that heat and humidity also can trigger skin allergies, causing eczema and chronic hives. “Avoidance and staying cool are always best in these situations,” Ogden said.
While chlorine is not an allergen, its odor is an irritant for some patients and causes eye and nose itching, according to the release. Some people with asthma also experience difficulties when coming in contact with chlorine. The ACAAI said that skin sensitivity to chlorine is often treated by washing the affected area with clean water to remove any remaining irritant. A corticosteroid cream also may be prescribed, while hives can be treated with an antihistamine.
“For those rare patients with allergies to stinging insects, remind them that they should also always have epinephrine on hand, and perhaps have a conversation with them about treatments like venom immunotherapy,” Ogden said.