As winter gives way to spring, Texas transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors blooming off the interstate. You’re conflicted. … Do you pull over and grab that coveted photo, or breathe easier in the comfort of the AC?
This seasonal transition is beautiful, but it brings with it dreaded allergy symptoms for many Texans. This pollen season, AENT can equip you with a little know-how to not just brace for the season … but embrace it!
Understanding Pollen Season in Texas:
From Orange to El Paso, Texas boasts diverse flora. There are towering pines in the east, wildflowers in the Hill Country and nearly 300 grass varieties in West Texas alone. This botanical richness contributes to a prolonged and intense pollen season, which typically begins in late February or early March and can last well into the summer months.
During this time, pollen from various sources, including trees, grasses and weeds, inundates the air, triggering allergic reactions in many Texans. Spring allergies manifest in symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
- Fatigue
Sometimes, over-the-counter medications do the trick. Here are a few we recommend to our patients:
- Antihistamines: Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction.
- Decongestants: These products help alleviate nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal passages.
- Nasal Sprays: Flonase, Nasacort, or Azelastine can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion and other allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays work best for both nasal and eye allergy symptoms.
- Eye Drops: Over-the-counter eye drops containing antihistamines can calm itching, redness and irritation caused by allergens.
Our doctors know you want to exhaust all your resources before scheduling an appointment to be tested for allergies. Simple tactics like saline sprays or Neti Pots often offer relief to patients. Also, simply closing windows, using air purifiers and washing bedding often can help.
If your allergy symptoms persist or interfere with your daily life, it’s time to schedule a visit with a board-certified allergist at AENT. Allergy testing, conducted by a board-certified allergist, can identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms. Based on your results, we may recommend allergy shots, a long-term treatment that involves regular injections of allergen extracts to desensitize your immune system.
“What’s great about allergy testing and shots is that we’re able to target exactly what’s giving you the flare-ups. We get to be specific. Basically, the shots teach your immune system to stop overreacting to allergens, so you become less affected by them.” – Dr. Grant Pickett, AENT.
At AENT, we’re dedicated to making sure you’re not missing out on any wildflower photo ops.
Call to schedule an appointment at one of our 17 locations across Houston today!
