Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Just when you’re ready to embrace those long, warm summer days and outdoor braais, your body has other plans. The sneezing starts, your eyes water, and suddenly you’re wondering why you can’t just enjoy the beautiful South African summer without feeling like you’re constantly fighting a cold. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
“Summer allergies are particularly challenging in South Africa, where our unique climate and diverse plant life can create the perfect storm for year-round allergen exposure,” comments Catherine Oluwadare, brand manager for Karvol.
She explains that in South Africa, tree pollen levels frequently peak over two to three months around August to October, and that grass pollen season is particularly long and relentless, spanning from September right through to March. In fact, she adds that due to global warming, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can extend the pollen season further causing an increase in pollen production.
Oluwadare highlights the big three South African summer allergy triggers as:
- Grass pollen: If there’s one allergen that defines the South African summer allergy experience, it’s grass pollen. The trigger allergens start with tree pollen in early spring, followed by long grass pollen from September through to the end of February. What makes grass pollen particularly challenging is its timing. Unlike tree pollen that has a shorter, more defined season, grass pollen in South Africa follows our rainfall patterns, meaning you could be dealing with symptoms from September all the way through to April in some regions.
- Tree pollen: While tree pollen season technically starts in late winter, many species continue releasing pollen well into summer. Trees that produce abundant light, wind pollinated pollen grains like plane, oak, olive and cypress are all allergenic trees.
- Indoor allergens: Summer’s heat and humidity create the perfect breeding ground for indoor allergens, particularly dust mites and mould to thrive both indoors and outdoors. These allergens can cause respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks, especially in people with sensitive immune systems.
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that love warm, humid conditions. They thrive when humidity levels reach 70-80%.
Mould and fungal spores flourish in our humid summer conditions, both indoors and outdoors.
During this time of the year, it can be difficult to determine if you are suffering from allergies or a summer cold as the symptoms are very similar. Allergy symptoms are typically consistent and triggered by specific exposures, while viral infections usually worsen progressively and include a fever. A decongestant such as Karvol’s chest rub can help with symptoms associated with both the summer flu and allergies, giving you the opportunity to breathe more freely during this time of the year. A definite must-have when it comes to allergy survival.
If you do suffer from allergies, there are a few other survival strategies that you can implement to help navigate the symptoms and get your summer months back:
- Timing is everything: Check daily pollen counts before leaving the house. Try to plan outdoor activities for later in the afternoon when pollen counts are typically lower, and always keep windows closed during high pollen days and use air conditioning instead.
- Create an allergy-safe home environment by keeping humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers or air conditioning. All bedding should be washed weekly in hot water to kill dust mites, and if possible use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers. Reducing the number of carpets in your rooms can also help lessen allergens. If possible dry all washing inside during high allergy season.
- Smart lifestyle adjustments. When coming home from spending time outside, be sure to shower and change clothes. Keep windows closed while driving and use the car’s air filtration system.
- When to See a Healthcare Professional. If your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life, it’s time to seek professional help. An allergist can perform specific tests to identify your triggers and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Don’t let allergies sideline you from enjoying everything a South African summer has to offer. Start by identifying your specific triggers, then build your defence strategy.
Remember, successful allergy management is about being proactive rather than reactive.
