About Allergies: Fourth of July Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Next week, millions of Americans will be celebrating the Fourth of July with outdoor picnics and fireworks. Along with these activities, however, comes exposure to various outdoor allergens. Pollen allergies, especially to grass, can be a big problem this time of year for many people. Insect allergies, including to mosquitoes and bees and yellow jackets, can keep some people indoors and prevent them enjoying an outdoor event. Allergies to smoke from barbeques and fireworks can worsen allergies and asthma. Last but not least, food allergies, caused by hidden ingredients in a potluck, can result in an unplanned visit to the emergency room. But, with a little planning for allergen avoidance, everyone can have a fun and safe Fourth of July Holiday. Grass Pollen Allergy Grass pollen is known to cause a variety of different allergic reactions. Grass pollen is present in the air in the late spring and early summer months, which can cause allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma. Direct skin contact with grass, from sitting in the grass or mowing the lawn, can cause itching of the skin -- urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Grass allergy can also be associated with the fruit pollen syndrome resulting in food allergies to tomatoes, potatoes and peaches. See More About:  pollen allergy  summer allergies  oral allergy syndrome Insect Sting Allergies Nearly everyone has experienced an insect bite or sting at some point in their lives. Most of the time, these stings and bites lead to mild pain or itching right where they occurred. Sometimes, however, people can experience more severe reactions that could be caused by an allergic reaction to the sting or bite. Allergic reactions most commonly occur with bites or stings from these insects. BBQ Allergy Mesquite, oak, cedar and hickory are types of wood used for this barbecuing -- they are also trees that produce pollen that many people with seasonal allergies are allergic to. It appears that the allergen in this type of pollen is also contained within the wood of the tree; these allergens survive combustion and remain in smoke once the wood is burned. See More About:  perfume allergy  non-allergic rhinitis  food allergy Nose and Eye Allergies The most common forms of allergies, hay fever and sinus problems, is discussed along with complete discussion of nasal polyps, fungal sinusitis and forms of non-allergic rhinitis. Various causes of allergic eye diseases are also discussed. Allergies Ads Skin Allergies Dog Skin Allergies Dogs Pollen Allergies Dog Allergies Dogs Allergies Featured Articles Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies   More from About.com Bake Sale Bestsellers Make your next bake sale a profitable one with these irresistible recipes. More> Real Recipes app Download our highly-rated app for free recipes and kitchen tools, for iPhone and iPod Touch. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement