Is Your Diet Making It Worse
Making matters worse for some folks is the interaction between pollen allergies and foods. Some individuals with pollen allergies can develop symptoms around the mouth and throat immediately after eating raw fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts or seeds that contain proteins that are cross reactive to the pollens, Dvorin says. This is known as oral-allergy syndrome or pollen-food syndrome.
The solution? Cook fruits, nuts and vegetables when your allergies are at their worst, Dvorin says.
For all other allergy symptoms, experts advise:
- Start taking allergy medications two weeks before you expect symptoms to begin, Dvorin says.
- Change your clothes when you come indoors. That way, you wont be carrying pollen around with you, Demain says.
- If you can, schedule outdoor activities during the afternoon since pollen levels tend to spike in the morning, Demain says.
- Whenever possible, take a shower and wash your hair after working or playing outdoors, Dvorin says.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season. A lot of people like to sleep with the windows open at night, Fajt says. But pollen can blow in and cover surfaces in your home, even if you have screens in the window, since some pollen sizes are very small.
- Rinse your nasal passages regularly with a salt and water solution, Dvorin says. It decreases inflammation in the sinuses, he explains.
About Seasonal Texas Allergies
About 10% of the population of the United States suffers from;allergies, and Texas is no exception. Major cities in Texas, including McAllen and San Antonio are among the worst in the country for people suffering from allergies.
- Winter: In some locations in the U.S., allergies disappear during the frigid months of winter. But the opposite is the case in Texas, where winter is the worst season for allergens. The state is known for annual cases of cedar fever, which are allergies provoked by cedar trees, sometimes so strongly that victims think they have a case of the flu.
- Spring: Allergies tend to occur nationwide during the spring. The main cause of spring allergens is pollen from oak trees. To a lesser extent, other allergen-producing trees include cottonwood, elm, ash and pecan.
- Summer: Allergy sufferers in Texas are typically reacting to grasses, including Bahia, Bermuda, Orchard, Sweet Vernal and Timothy. You will often encounter these grasses on the side of the road, lots and other abandoned areas.
- Fall: Ragweed is a major allergen affecting Texas residents during fall. Temperate areas in Texas will often experience strong reactions to ragweed because the plants grow more freely, emitting as many as one billion pollen grains each season.
What Is Good For Cedar Allergies
Over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants in pill, spray or eye drop form may help control symptoms. Nasal irrigation is a drug-free remedy, a commercial squeeze bottle, bulb syringe or neti pot can be used to pour saline solution into the nasal passages and wash out the allergens and excess mucus.
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Allergy Season Arrives In The Houston Area With A Fury
Everyone loves these mild, flu-free winters, but Houston’s already experiencing one of the downsides: an early allergy season.
With pollen counts soaring and allergists reporting earlier-than-usual complaints, local officials are warning Houstonians to brace for a long season of runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing.
“It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” says City Forester Victor Cordova.
It got worse Monday with 1,796 tree pollen grains per cubic meter measured at the city’s laboratory near Hermann Park, the year’s first day of “extremely heavy” activity. The high count followed mostly “heavy” levels that have circulated since the start of February, at least a month before the season typically starts in earnest.
The heavy pollen levels have kept allergy doctors busier than usual this winter. Dr. Amber Luong, an immunologist at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, says some of her patients complained of allergy symptoms as far back as late January, an unheard of time for sufferers.
An estimated 20 percent of the population seeks treatment for airborne allergies, which occur when the immune system recognizes harmless substances such as pollen as an enemy, dilating blood vessels and inflaming sinus and respiratory tracts.
The high count is occurring even though the drought robbed Houston of 50 percent of its pine trees, one of the most prolific producers of pollen.
Houston ranks in 40s
The Four Seasons In South And Central Texas
In South and Central Texas, we have four seasons, they simply go by different names: Mountain Cedar, Spring Trees, Summer Grasses, and Ragweed/Pigweed.
Equipping ourselves to battle pollen during selective seasons requires a good understanding of the causes of allergies and available treatment options. Over the past 20 years, treatment options have improved greatly.
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How Can I Help My Allergies In Texas
What to Do with Texas Allergies?
What Is Cedar Fever Experts Explain Texas Winter Irritant
Cedar fever season is almost upon us, and at a time when having a feveror even catching a slight coldis concerning, it’s more important than ever to understand the symptoms and source of this common Central Texas allergy.
For starters, cedar fever isn’t a flu or a virusit’s an allergic reaction to the pollen released by mountain cedar trees. In Texas, the predominant species of mountain cedar is the Ashe .
“Cedar fever is the worst west of I-35, where you have primarily juniper mixed in with oaks and some other species,” said Jonathan Motsinger, the Central Texas Operations department head for the Texas A&M Forest Service. “And because all of those junipers are producing pollen at the same time, you’re going to get a higher concentration of pollen in the air.”
This is one of the primary factors contributing to cedar feverthe sheer quantity and density of Ashe junipers in Central Texas. According to Robert Edmonson, a biologist for the Texas A&M Forest Service, the pollen from Ashe junipers isn’t particularly allergenic or harmfulit’s just so concentrated that, even if you aren’t generally susceptible to allergies, it could still affect you.
“There’s just so much pollen in the air,” said Edmonson, “it absolutely overwhelms the immune system. It’s like trying to breathe in a dust storm.”
Cedar or juniper, the response is the same
Symptoms in an already ‘watchful’ environment
Finding good traits among the pollen fog
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We Have Become All Too Familiar With The Yearlong Effects Of Texas Mold Spores Ragweed Keep Your Windows And Doors Shut As Much As Possible Especially During Peak Blooming Season
Sometimes it is stronger than others and sometimes you will know even before you watch the news simply as soon as you wake up. To get the most benefit, patients should plan on being on immunotherapy for a minimum. How to rebuild your garden after the texas freeze. 1:12 how ‘sexism’ and climate change are making your asthma and allergies worse. That soon changed after i moved to texas. Tell us how you cope. How to prevent or minimize allergy symptoms. Mountain cedar with regular antihistamine use, decongestants should no longer be required. Residents of texas are particularly affected by allergiesin fact, some of texas’s most famous cities, such as austin and dallas, rank among the top worst for allergy sufferers in the nation! Allergies are a common problem, affecting more than 50 million people in the united if you have any of these symptoms for longer than the duration of an average common cold (which some seasonal allergens common in texas can include: Buttram shares how allergies work. Alan goldsobel, allergy and immunology specialist based in san jose, california and advisory board. January through may is when its in season.
Pollen is making its way back into the according to experts from the asthma and allergy foundation of america , rising temperatures have led to an extended growing season in the.
What Is A Pollen Allergy
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as hay fever. Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollens that cause allergic reactions come from trees, weeds and grasses. These plants make small, light and dry pollen grains that travel by the wind.
Grasses are the most common cause of allergy. Ragweed is a main cause of weed allergies. Other common sources of weed pollen include sagebrush, pigweed, lambs quarters and tumbleweed. Certain species of trees, including birch, cedar and oak, also produce highly allergenic pollen.
Plants fertilized by insects, like roses and some flowering trees, like cherry and pear trees, usually do not cause allergic rhinitis.
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Oak Trees Pollinate In Late March And Early April
Itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and a stuffy nose — its that time of year again for those who suffer from an oak allergy.
Oak trees pollinate in late March and early April, producing hanging clusters of pollen called catkins.” The pollen is then dispersed by the wind, irritating those who breathe in the pollen grains.
Not only do pollinating oak trees cause wheezing and sneezing for millions of locals, but they also create a bit of a headache for those who own lawns. The spring brings new growth to the trees, pushing off the older, brown oak leaves. The result are piles of oak leaves on front lawns, patios, sidewalks, and backyards.
Thankfully, oak season comes to an end in early May.
Dont forget that your KSAT Weather Authority Team updates the pollen count each morning – even on the weekends! Bookmark this page so that you can check it daily.
About the Authors:
Allergy Report: Austin And Central Texas
Find the latest allergen counts for Central Texas, as measured by Sheila M. Amar, M.D., and Kim T. Hovanky, M.D. of Allergy & Asthma Center of Georgetown. Whether it is cedar, mold, cottonwood, oak, ragweed, ash, pine, mulberry, elm, poplar, or any other allergen in our area, you can track recent allergy reports here.
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Do Allergy Seasons Really Vary In Intensity From Year To Year
Many doctors and scientists say allergy seasons are intensifying, starting earlier and lasting longer. Climate change is a factor. Its fueled in part by rising temperatures and mild winters, allowing pollen-producing trees and grass to bloom earlier. The extended growing seasons leads to increased levels of airborne allergens.
In addition, snowmelt in late winter or early spring can increase moisture that allows trees to produce more pollen when they bloom.
How Do You Treat Pollen Allergies
Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications, including antihistamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays, can help relieve symptoms.
If you know your pollen allergies are worse in early spring, for example, start taking your allergy medications two weeks before symptoms are at their worst. Talk with your doctor about which medication is best for you.
Pre-medicate with an antihistamine and/or corticosteroid nasal spray 2 hours prior to an anticipated allergen exposure. For eye allergies, use eye drops as needed.
Allergy shots often provide long-lasting relief for pollen allergy. Sublingual immunotherapy, also known as oral immunotherapy is a pill form of immunotherapy and available for grass and ragweed pollen allergies.
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This Spring’s Allergy Season Will Be The Worst And Longest Ever
Yikes, spring 2013 is set to break pollen records yet again
Worst. Allergy. Season. Ever. Thanks to a confluence of climatic factors, this spring is looking to top even last year in terms of pollen allergies, according to allergist Clifford Basset, MD, a spokesman for the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Basset declares this spring is shaping up to be a pollen nightmare due to the early arrival of spring after a mild winter.
In many areas of the country, flowering trees bloomed as much as a month earlier than usual. And long, mild falls and late winters are making allergy seasons last weeks longer than in decades past.
Plum blossoms signal spring – and sneezing season
Of course, every single year we see this headline. Last year, 2012 was widely dubbed the worst allergy season ever because of record-breaking pollen levels, and 2011 earned the same distinction.
Other measures are indicating a worse time for people with allergies as well. In 2011, the Wall Street Journal named it the worst allergy year ever based on East Coast allergists’ reports of doubling and tripling the number of patient visits.
Climate Change to Blame
And the mercury will keep going up. According to the National Clmatic Data Center, all 12 of the years that make up the 21st century rank within the top 14 years ever for temperature. And according to Harvard Health Publications, pollen counts can be expected to double by 204o.
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What to Do
Preparing For The Texas Allergy Season
More than 50 million Americans suffer through allergy season each year, but they dont have to. Advancements in personalized health care have enabled forward-thinking providers to help patients avoid costly allergy meds and nasal sprays. Alternative treatments may be available to provide the immediate allergy relief people want.
If you live in Texas, that should be particularly good news. In most of the U.S., allergy season only occurs in the spring as plants kick off tiny pollen dust to irritate eyes, sinuses and cause nasal congestion. In Texas, however, allergies are so bad because of our blistering summer days and relatively mild winters allow for year-round plant growth . Put simply, plants can pollinate all year long.
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What Is The Difference Between A Cold And An Allergy
As a rule, itchy anything is an indication of allergy. Sneezing, a sore throat, and nasal congestion can all be seen in both a cold and allergies. A secondary means of distinguishing between cold and allergies is timing. Do symptoms occur each year during January and February when Mountain Cedar is high? The third distinguishing factor is duration. Colds most often last 7-10, and sometimes up to 14, days. Allergies can extend many weeks and even months.
The Unending Allergy Season Of East Texas
Spring brings with it beautiful blossoms, a chance to spend more time outside and pollen. Allergies cause problems all over the country, but it can seem like this region gets hit particularly hard. East Texas may be particularly bothersome for allergic patients as the pollination may be more prolific than in other areas and the seasons may be prolonged, explains Dr. Jonathan Buttram, allergist and immunologist at UT Health East Texas. For instance, ragweed season in the Northeast may last three to four weeks, whereas in East Texas, it may last three months. Since allergies will affect a large portion of this community, Dr. Buttram shares how allergies work and how to find relief.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen or pet dander, that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
How common are seasonal allergies?
What can be done to lessen symptoms?
What should I watch out for?
Dont assume you have allergies. Many non-allergic syndromes may mimic the symptoms of allergies.; This is often the case when allergy treatments dont seem to work. A detailed history and appropriate testing can help sort this out.
Who can help?
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When Does Allergy Season 2021 Start
Well, its technically *always* allergy season due to year-round offenders such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. But some allergenspollens, specificallyare seasonal.
Tree pollen, for example, pops up in the spring , grass pollen arrives in the late spring , weed pollen is most prevalent in the summer , and ragweed pollen takes over from summer to fall , says Dr. Parikh.
And, as mentioned, climate change means allergy season begins earlier and lasts longer, adds Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, a professor and allergist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Specifically, the season has been arriving 20 days earlier than it did in 1990, and contains at least 20 percent more pollen, the New York Times reported.
To get super-specific, Pollen.com has a National Allergy Map that provides an up-to-date allergy forecast in different areas around the country and an Allergy Alert app that gives five-day forecasts with in-depth info on specific allergens, helping you decide if you should stay indoors that day. You should also note that windy, warm, and sunny days can increase levels of pollen turnout, while drizzling or rainy weather is actually associated with no or lower levels of seasonal pollen, explains Clifford W. Bassett, MD, medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
Why Are Allergies So Bad In Texas
In most parts of the country, the allergy season is limited to the spring, when pollinating plants release the microscopic pollen dust that irritates sinuses and turns eyes watery and red. But once the spring turns to summer, and the pollination season is over, the allergens largely disappear. Not so in Texas.
As it turns out, one of the big reasons why allergies are so bad in Texas is the heat. But its not those blistering summer days that are to blame. Rather, the states relatively mild winters create the perfect environment for year-round allergens. Texas mild winters allow for year-round plant growth, which means plants can pollinate throughout the year. While other parts of the U.S. are experiencing frigid temperatures that turn vegetation dormant, some Texas plants are undergoing another season of pollination. In fact, winter is one of the worst times of the year for allergies in Texas.
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