Hay fever season is right around the corner, kicking off about mid-August when ragweed begins to bloom. Be prepared to head off symptoms and suffering by knowing the difference between fact and fiction with tips courtesy of allergist Dr. Steven McEldowney and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Rather than lazy, hazy and crazy, summer can be sneezy, itchy and wheezy for those with allergies and asthma. Millions of Americans are allergic to grass pollen, a trigger from late spring to early summer. But suffering also may be caused by unexpected triggers, such as sunscreen, campfires or changes in the weather. “Summer is full of allergy and asthma triggers that many people are unaware of,” said allergist Dr. Steven McEldowney, M.D., of Allergy and Asthma Care of Blakeney. “If you are vigilant to avoid them and treat your condition, it can mean the difference between a great summer and a miserable one.” Following are a few surprising summer allergy and asthma triggers, as well as some suggestions for coping with them, courtesy of Dr. McEldowney and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at once. For some people, especially those who have asthma, it can take just one to two minutes for symptoms of an allergic reaction to develop into anaphylaxis. That’s why it is so important to know how to respond.