Coughing, sneezing and itchy lately? Blame high Texas pollen counts, experts say
If your allergies have been flaring lately, you are not alone. Something is definitely in the air.
That’s because Dallas and Fort Worth were listed among two of the worst U.S. cities for allergies this week by Pollen.com.
Experts say that Ragweed, Elm, and Chenopods are the top allergens bothering North Texans. Pollen counts are high all around the Metroplex, at 10 plus, according to the Pollen.com allergen index.
What to know about fall allergies in Texas
“Many things cause fall allergies in Texas. The main contenders are spores released through mold and pollen particles released from common plants, trees and weeds,” said otolaryngologist Phillip Matorin. “Once these particles find their way into our bodies through the air we breathe, they can really mess with our immune system.”
Weed pollen is common during the fall in Texas and the most prevalent allergen is Ragweed.
Ragweed is an environmental allergen that can aggravate asthma attacks and induce hay fever, particularly in older adults and children.
Almost 50 million Americans have symptoms of ragweed pollen allergies in the late summer and early fall, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.
Ragweed season reaches its peak in September. It is typically seen growing in rural places, often beside fields, roadsides, riverbanks, and vacant lots.
An allergic person’s immune system may overreact and produce antibodies that “attack” the allergen when they come into touch with pollen, according to Johns Hopkins.
The outcome of the attack includes symptoms like a runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, and itching.
Why are my allergies so severe?
Many things can contribute to a severe allergy season, such as changing temperatures, modified precipitation patterns, increased carbon dioxide concentrations, and changes in plant growth.
Texas is also the nation’s top emitter of greenhouse gasses, which raises pollen counts, causes air pollution, and eventually aggravates allergy symptoms.
The moderate climate in Texas, which helps plants grow, also plays a role in the severe allergy season.
While allergies seem to be getting worse, there are ways you can adjust your regimen to get through.
How to treat Texas fall allergies
1. Be proactive: Before the pollen season arrives, start taking allergy medications. This is the optimal way to take most allergy medications. This makes it possible for the therapies to stop your body from releasing other molecules, such as histamine, which is what causes your symptoms.
2. Track pollen counts in your area: When pollen counts are high, minimize your time spent outside. This will lessen the quantity of pollen allergen you breathe in and assist in mitigating your symptoms.
3. During pollen season or peak pollen hours, keep windows closed.
4. Reduce indoor airborne allergens: Use central air conditioning or air cleaners with a certified asthma & allergy friendly filter.
5. When you go outside, cover your hair and wear sunglasses. This will keep pollen off your hair and out of your eyes.
