Why are allergy symptoms in Texas getting worse each year? Here’s what you need to know

A common theme among allergy sufferers is that the season seems to get worse each year.

“Lived here from birth to 33 and I don’t remember a worse allergy season, ‘Is it just me or am I crazy?’,” a Reddit user said in a post.

Nearly one-third of adults have allergies, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the symptoms tend to be more severe in Texas as one of the nation’s allergy capitals.

A severe allergy season is caused by a number of factors, including rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, elevated carbon dioxide levels, and a change in plant development.

Research shows that climate change — conditions caused by humans — is making the pollen season worse.

Texas emits the most greenhouse gasses in the country, which contributes to air pollution, an increase in pollen counts and ultimately allergy symptoms.

A report by a state climatologist’s shows that climate change will only get worse in Texas with extreme weather events including more days at at least 100 degrees, longer wildfire seasons, and a doubled frequency in flooding expected by 2036.

So what can you do to cope with the impact of climate change on allergy season? Reduce your exposure, according to the American Public Health Association.

Here are their tips:

Reduce exposure to air pollutants and pollen:

• When there are air quality alerts or days with high pollen counts, remain inside in air-conditioned spaces to minimize your exposure to allergens and air pollution.
• Replace the filter on on your air conditioner on a regular basis.
• Wash skin and clothing to eliminate pollen transfer after returning from outside.

Reduce exposure to mold:

• Steer clear of moist interior spaces to prevent mold growth.
• Completely dry the impacted area following a flood or leak.
• The most dependable method of verifying the existence of mold is through visual examinations. Use disinfectants to get rid of any mold that you see or smell.
• Get a dehumidifier to help lower the chance of mold growth.

Tiffani Jackson

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.