As winter bids adieu and the vibrant hues of spring start to adorn Houston, many residents find themselves in the clutches of seasonal allergies. While the city’s blossoming landscapes bring joy to many, for others, they herald the onset of sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses. But what exactly triggers these allergies during this time of the year?
- Pollen Galore: Spring in Houston witnesses an explosion of pollen from various sources, including trees, grasses, and weeds. Trees like oak, cedar, elm, and ash are prolific pollen producers in the area, blanketing the surroundings with their microscopic particles. Grasses like Bermuda grass and Timothy grass add to the pollen count, aggravating allergy symptoms for many.
- Mold Spores: The humid climate of Houston provides an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, which thrive in damp environments. Spring showers and high humidity levels encourage mold growth, both outdoors and indoors. Mold spores become airborne, infiltrating homes and exacerbating allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Spring in Houston is characterized by erratic weather patterns, with temperatures fluctuating between cool and warm spells. These fluctuations can trigger the release of pollen and mold spores into the air, catching allergy sufferers off guard and intensifying their symptoms.
Managing Spring Allergies: While it may seem like Houston’s spring allergies are an unavoidable nuisance, there are steps individuals can take to alleviate their symptoms:
- Monitor pollen counts and try to stay indoors during peak pollen times.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor allergens from entering your home.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in air conditioning units to trap airborne allergens.
- Regularly clean and vacuum indoor spaces to reduce dust and pet dander accumulation.
While seasonal allergies commonly manifest with symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes coughing or wheezing, there are several symptoms that are generally not associated with seasonal allergies. These symptoms may indicate other health conditions or underlying issues. Some examples include: fever, persistent sore throat, body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and widespread rash or hives.
By understanding seasonal allergy triggers and implementing appropriate preventive measures, individuals can better manage their allergy symptoms and enjoy the beauty of spring in the Bayou City. If you are unsure if your symptoms are allergy related or over-the-counter remedies aren’t helping, make an appointment with a PremierCare provider today!