Pollen Panic: “No One is Safe” from Central Texas Spring Allergies

Thursday, March 20th, is the official first day of spring this year, and it is a time of year that many people have been patiently awaiting. For others, such as myself, the spring season brings a great deal of misery.

Spring's Double-Edged Sword : Beauty vs. Misery

I love seeing the beautiful flowers and feeling the rays of sun just as much as the next guy, but spring also means the arrival of seasonal allergies. While some people will say that they feel like love is in the air, all I'll be aware of is the high pollen count.

Hay Fever Unmasked : What's Really Happening?

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a medical condition that results in a person's nasal passages to become inflamed due to an allergic reaction to things like pollen, dust, mold spores, or pet dander. Someone that is suffering from this condition will usually exhibit symptoms like headaches, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing.

Central Texas: Allergy Battleground ️ : The Culprits Revealed

Central Texas is by far one of the worst states when it comes to seasonal allergies. There is a very diverse population of flora in the area, and some of those plants produce the worst allergens. Ragweed, Cedar, and grass are abundant in Central Texas, and they are all aggressive allergens.

Taking Back Control ️ : Your Allergy Action Plan

While it isn't completely avoidable, there are some steps that can be taken to help ease the impact that allergy season can have on your life.

• You should keep your windows and doors closed, and make sure that your air filters are regularly changed.
• Keep up to date on the pollen count so that you can make plans regarding outdoor activities.
• Use medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants to alleviate sneezing and itching, stuffy noses, and runny noses.
• Wear a mask to help protect your respiratory system from pollen.
• Make sure to wash and change clothes your clothes regularly.
• Wipe off your pets before they come inside to help alleviate the amount of pollen they bring indoors.