It’s the best time of year to get outside and enjoy yourself. You probably have trips lined up. Yet, you feel under the weather for no apparent reason. The dreaded summer congestion. So why am I congested in the summer? And what can I do to start breathing easier once again?
A stuffy nose and tight chest is no surprise when it rolls around in the middle of the winter. But it can be quite curious during the warmer months. The tricky part is it could be caused by quite a few different things - allergies, a cold (yes, you still get sick even when it’s nice outside), or something else altogether.
Learn about the top strategies for combating congestion during summer below, including how resbiotic’s lung support supplement can help support your lungs, clear your chest, and encourage better respiratory function overall.*
Key Takeaways
- Most cases of summer congestion are caused by seasonal allergies or a cold.
- Air quality and lifestyle habits can impact your respiratory function during summer, too.
- Hydration and saline rinses are your first defense against congestion during summer.
- Diet & supplements can help your respiratory & immune systems become more resilient.
Identifying Congestion
First things first, we want to get a little more specific about what “congestion” entails. Summer chest congestion doesn’t always mirror the winter stuffiness you might be used to. You could feel a tight chest, runny nose, and pressure throughout your sinuses.
Maybe you’re having trouble breathing, or perhaps you’ve found yourself with this pesky cough that won’t get better. So, why do I keep coughing? Why am I congested in the summer?
Why Am I Congested in the Summer?
There’s a good chance your summer congestion actually has nothing to do with the time of year. Let’s take a look at all possible causes below.
Seasonal Allergies
So many people don’t realize that their “summer cold” is actually a prolonged allergic response.1
Grass pollen peaks during May and July, while weed pollen (like ragweed) ramps up later in summer and lasts all the way through fall. Tree pollen from earlier in the year can still be circulating in the air depending on where you live, too.
Any of these can wreak havoc on your respiratory system if you’re vulnerable to allergies. Allergies are basically your body forming a disproportionate response to what it sees as a legit threat.1
A Summer Cold
A summer cold may be less common than a winter cold, but it’s a real possibility nonetheless. Rhinoviruses and enteroviruses don't have an offseason.
The tricky part is figuring out if this is what’s driving your summer congestion since the symptoms closely mirror those of allergies. Timing is usually how you distinguish between the two. A cold should get better within 7-10 days at most. Allergies can last way longer.2
Air Conditioning and Dry Indoor Air
You’ve probably already seen your AC bill ramp up as the temperatures outdoors start rising. Another consequence of having to run your AC all day, though, is dry air. That may be what’s prompting congestion during summer.
Low humidity dries out the nasal passages and makes it harder for your body to trap and get rid of irritants on its own. Spending hours in a cool space and then stepping out into the hot, humid air can make matters worse, keeping the congestion going.3
Humidity and Mold
Just as too low of humidity can pose a problem, excess humidity can as well. It creates conditions where mold can thrive, and this is another potent allergen.
Poorly ventilated bathrooms and basement spaces are the worst offenders for mold. But this irritant can hide in your bedroom, your kitchen, or your office. It’s not always easy to see. And the symptoms of mold-driven congestion are pretty much the same as those of a cold.4
Poor Air Quality
Piggybacking off that last point, the air you breathe is often responsible for how you feel. Hot weather increases ground-level ozone. Wildfire smoke is essentially inevitable in some parts of the country this time of year.
Both of these things can irritate your airways and trigger summer chest congestion. It’s worth taking note of your Air Quality Index (AQI) on any day you plan on spending time outdoors. You should invest in an air filter for your home and/or office, too. Those irritants follow you inside.
Tips on Dealing With Summer Congestion
There’s no need to let summer congestion ruin the fun this season. Take a few simple measures to beef up your body’s internal defense mechanisms and protect yourself from common irritants that make congestion worse.
Monitor Pollen and Air Quality
Check daily pollen counts and AQI before you spend the whole day outside. Keep windows closed on high-pollen days. It sounds dramatic, but change your clothes and shower when you get home, too, so you don’t coat the rest of your home in those irritants.
Improve Indoor Air
A good HEPA filter can be your saving grace if you struggle with congestion during summer. You might even want to buy a humidifier for spaces where you run the AC all day. You want humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth without drying out your nasal passages. Make sure you clean AC filters on a regular basis, and replace them on a set schedule.
Stay Hydrated
Even someone who doesn’t deal with any sort of summer chest congestion should follow this advice. Especially during summer. But it’s extra important if you’re congested.
Hydration keeps mucus thin enough to clear easily from the body. On the other hand, mucus gets really thick and hard to expel when you’re dehydrated. Water - not soda, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol. Add some electrolytes for bonus points.
Support Your Respiratory System
This is the best advice we have to offer on how to handle congestion during summer. Beef up your immune and respiratory systems from the inside out with a supplement like resbiotic’s resB Lung Support Probiotic.*
resB combines herbs for lung detox like turmeric, vasaka, and holy basil with clinically studied probiotic strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RSB11, Lactobacillus acidophilus RSB12, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus RSB13.*
These ingredients work in synergy to help your body better respond to real threats and avoid overreacting to non-harmful invaders (like allergies).* The physician-formulated supplement was put through a clinical trial where:5
- 72% of participants said they noticed better lung function
- 82% of participants reported quality of life improvement
- 95% of participants claimed they’d recommend resB to others
- 100% of participants reported zero adverse side effects
Learn more about the science behind how it supports you through summer congestion.
Final Words on Congestion During Summer
Figuring out what’s triggering your chest congestion in the summer months is step one. Whether it’s allergies, a cold, air quality, or something else altogether, there are things you can do to start breathing easier and enjoy everyone’s favorite time of year.
Talk to your doctor if congestion lasts more than two weeks or comes with a high fever. Or, read about how to deal with spring allergies if you struggle with those, too. Otherwise, all that’s left to do is order resB risk-free and give your respiratory system the support it needs to perform its best!
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get more congested in the summer months?
This is when grass and weed pollen thrive. It could be mold spores, poor outdoor air quality, or even a cold. It’s hard to say for sure, but there are steps you can take towards relief no matter what’s driving summer congestion.
How long does seasonal congestion last?
Allergy-related congestion will linger as long as the irritant is present - which could be months. A summer cold should get better within a week or so.
How to get rid of summer congestion?
Start by drinking more water, try a saline rinse, and support your respiratory/immune systems with resB. Try to avoid allergen exposure by improving your indoor air quality and spending less time outdoors on the worst days.
When is it time to see a doctor?
Persistent or worsening congestion, or congestion accompanied by concerning symptoms, may be a reason to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Related Resources
How to take turmeric for lungs | Can spring allergies cause coughing? | Lung vitamins
References
- Wheatley LM, Togias A. "Clinical Practice: Allergic Rhinitis." N Engl J Med. 2015;372(5):456-463. PubMed
- Jacobs SE, et al. "Human Rhinoviruses." Clin Microbiol Rev. 2013;26(1):135-162. PubMed
- Wolkoff P. "The mystery of dry indoor air -- An overview." Environment International. 2018;121(Pt 2):1058-1065. DOI
- Bush RK, et al. "The medical effects of mold exposure." J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117(2):326-333. PubMed
- Wenger NM, et al. "Clinical trial of a probiotic and herbal supplement for lung and respiratory health." Frontiers in Nutrition. 2023;10:1168582. DOI
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace advice from your healthcare provider.