As Texas bursts into bloom with vibrant colors, springtime is as breathtaking as it is sneeze-inducing. For many in the Greater Houston area, the season’s beauty comes with a side of relentless allergy symptoms. But fear not! Allergy & ENT Associates is here to arm you with the tools and strategies to not just survive but embrace the pollen season.
Understanding Pollen Season in Texas
From the Piney Woods of East Texas to the wide-open plains out west, Texas has a rich and diverse flora. While stunning, this biodiversity also extends the pollen season, often beginning in late February and lingering well into summer. During this time, pollen from trees and grasses saturates the air, triggering sneezing fits, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and even fatigue for countless Texans.
While the majestic oaks provide much-needed shade in the summer and pecan trees offer delicious treats to fall, tree pollen contributes to many allergens during spring and early summer.
Another pollen season culprit often hides in the front and backyards of most homes in the Greater Houston area. Bermuda grass is a major pollen producer that releases pollen into the air, which is then carried throughout the area by the high spring winds. Bermuda grass typically blooms in summer but in warmer regions, such as South Texas, the bloom begins much earlier and contributes to our earlier pollen season.
For those who suffer, the aisles of over-the-counter remedies may offer little solace. It can be difficult to find the perfect balance of allergy medicine that doesn’t make you or your children sleepy while helping find relief.
If you’ve been disappointed by limited relief, it could be time to explore a more targeted approach. Comprehensive allergy testing at Allergy & ENT Associates can identify your specific triggers, from cedar to ragweed, so you can tackle the root cause of your symptoms.
Allergy Treatment That Works
Over-the-counter medicine can be helpful, but if you’re still hiding inside during pollen season while clinging to a box of tissues, it’s time to seek allergy treatment.
One highly effective option is allergy immunotherapy. This proactive treatment works by gradually teaching your immune system not to overreact to allergens. It can provide lasting relief, helping you enjoy the season without constant sneezing and sniffling.
Currently, there are two main forms of Allergy Immunotherapy for those struggling with pollen allergens. One is what is traditionally known as allergy shots, also called Subcutaneous immunotherapy. This involves allergy shots given weekly for a period of time.
The other option is sublingual immunotherapy, which might be a good fit for your lifestyle and needs, especially for children or people who have a fear of needles. Sublingual immunotherapy, also known as allergy drops, involves daily drops placed under your tongue.
Both forms of immunotherapy are highly effective and can bring lasting relief. An allergist can help you decide on the best course of treatment.
Take Control of Your Allergies This Spring
Don’t let allergies steal the joy of Texas springtime. Whether you want to take a stroll through one of the prairies outside of Katy and Cypress or want to hike the cedar-filled Lonestar Trail north of Montgomery extending almost all the way to Kingwood, we’re here to help you enjoy the landscape of the Greater Houston area.
Take action today by scheduling an appointment with Allergy & ENT Associates. Our team of experts will help you find the right treatment plan to reduce your allergy symptoms, so you can reclaim your energy and enthusiasm for the season.
Spring is a time for renewal and growth—let us help you experience it to the fullest!
