Here in Texas, the fall season typically begins in late August/early September and ends in December. For those who have allergies, it can be a dreadful time of year. Constant sneezing, congestion, watery itchy eyes, nose, throat, and asthma flare-ups can all get worse. What can cause these symptoms?
Mold can be a trigger. When humidity is high or even on dry/windy days, mold spores are released into the air and can trigger symptoms for those who are allergic. Indoor allergens can also be a trigger. As schools are in session, children are spending more time indoors and those allergic to dust mite and/or pet dander may experience worsening symptoms during this time of year.
Ragweed
However, the biggest culprit for fall allergy is ragweed pollen. In fact, the DFW area has been ranked one of the top 5 worst cities for ragweed allergies. A single ragweed plant can produce a billion pollen grains. These grains are very light weight and float easily through the air and can be dispersed as far as 400 miles away. With the Texas heat and increased carbon dioxide levels, the ragweed plant will have a longer growth time. Unfortunately, this allows for a longer ragweed season.
If you are allergic to ragweed or other weeds, molds, pollens, dust mite, or pet dander, your immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance and tries to fight against it. As it does this, histamine and other chemicals are released in large quantities causing the typical symptoms you experience when you are allergic, some of which include runny nose, watery itchy eyes, congestion, coughing and sometimes wheezing.
What can you do?
If you experience allergy symptoms, you could be allergic. The first step is to come see us at North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center for a proper evaluation and testing to help determine your allergy triggers. We test for common indoor and outdoor triggers.
Once you have identified your allergy triggers, avoidance measures can be taken. Limiting exposure to pet dander and/or dust mite as best you can and avoiding outdoor activities on high pollen count days can be helpful. After spending time outdoors, showering, changing and washing your clothes can help reduce your allergen exposure. If working outdoors, wearing a NIOSH N95-rated filter mask can help filter out pollen. Keeping your windows in the car and home closed can help as well. Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the pollen.
Medications are helpful in controlling the symptoms and they include a variety of over the counter and prescription antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, and expectorants. It is important to start treating your allergy symptoms early, preferably before the season starts.
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option in which a patient receives increasing doses of their allergens. Over time, the body becomes immune to the allergens providing lasting relief of allergy symptoms for years to come even after treatment has stopped.
Make an appointment with us
At North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center, we offer traditional allergy injections, sublingual immunotherapy drops, and tablets for house dust mite, ragweed, and certain grasses.
If you suffer during the fall season, you could be allergic! Come see one of our experienced board-certified allergists for evaluation, testing, and treatment options. We can help you feel better!
SHIKHA MANE, MD
Board Certified Allergist
