Use the surprising summer allergy and asthma triggers tip sheet as:
 Materials you can distribute to local media (sample cover email below)
 Content to upload to your website and/or newsletter
 Informational flyer for patients/public
Cover Email to Media Outlets
Subject: Don’t let surprising allergy, asthma triggers spoil summer fun
Dear (INSERT REPORTER NAME):
Summertime living may be easy for some, but surprising triggers can cause problems for the
millions of Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Summer staples like sunscreen, certain fruits and vegetables, weather changes, campfire
smoke and stinging insects can be health hazards, but if people prepare in advance, there’s no
need to sit on the sidelines this summer.
I hope you will consider a story on how those with allergies and asthma can stay healthy. Below
my signature is a news release that includes tips for keeping healthy this summer season,
courtesy of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
I would be happy to discuss the common summer allergy and asthma triggers, share examples
of the reactions caused by these allergens and provide you with tips on how they can be
avoided. I’m available by phone (INSERT PHONE NUMBER) or email (INSERT EMAIL).
Thank you for your time and consideration.
(INSERT NAME)
(INSERT PRACTICE)
FIVE SURPRISING ALLERGY, ASTHMA TRIGGERS
THAT CAN SPOIL SUMMER FUN
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
(INSERT NAME), M.D., of (INSERT PRACTICE). “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. (INSERT NAME) and the American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Sunscreen. It’s a bit of a catch 22 – sunscreen protects your skin from the damaging
rays of the sun, but may cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you get a rash
after slathering up, you may be having a photoallergic reaction to ingredients common in
many sunscreens. Lotions that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide usually are safe
bets, but some people don’t like them because they are visible on the skin – think of the
lifeguard’s coated white nose. An allergist can run tests to learn what ingredients you
should avoid.

Summer fruits and veggies. If your lips start tingling soon after you sink your teeth into
a juicy peach – or melon, tomato, celery or orange – you may have oral allergy
syndrome. People with grass allergies can suffer from this condition, which is a crossreaction between similar proteins in certain fruits and vegetables and the allergy-causing
pollen. The simple solution is to avoid the offending food, or just put up with the
annoying but short-lived (and seldom dangerous) reaction. In rare cases, the problem
can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. See an allergist to determine
whether you should carry portable epinephrine.

Changes in the weather. Be it stifling humidity or a refreshing cool breeze, sudden
changes in the weather can trigger an asthma attack. See an allergist to discuss an
asthma action plan and to be sure you are keeping your asthma in check no matter the
season or the temperature.

Campfire smoke. Toasting marshmallows or sitting out at a bonfire is a lot less fun if it
results in an asthma attack or allergic reaction. Smoke is a common asthma trigger, and
some folks are allergic to the pollen of the wood being burned, such as mesquite. If you
don’t want to miss out, sit upwind of the smoke and avoid getting too close.

Stinging insects. As if the pain isn’t bad enough, you can develop a life-threatening
allergic reaction to the sting of bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants, even if a previous
sting only caused a mild reaction such as a rash. Cover up when gardening or working
outdoors, avoid brightly colored clothing, forget the perfume and take caution when
eating or drinking anything sweet, all of which attract stinging insects. Ask an allergist if
you should carry portable epinephrine just in case you are stung.
An allergist can perform allergy testing to determine the source of your misery and help you find
relief. Visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org to learn more about summer allergies.