If you live in Central Texas, you know that seasonal allergies can take you down very quickly — but why is our region so synonymous with allergy misery?
A combination of factors makes this one of the most dreaded places for allergy sufferers.
Fortunately, the knowledgeable and caring team at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas offers advanced treatments for allergies that can bring longed-for extended relief — relief that enables you to live a normal life again.
They’re also deeply committed to educating patients on what they can do at home to ease symptoms, from using HEPA air purifiers to keeping track of the weather (and pollen counts) to determine the best and worst times to go outside.
A rare trifecta is what makes Central Texas’ allergies so severe and seemingly ever-present.
In our area, we have an incredibly diverse range of pollen-producing vegetation that flourishes throughout the year, including:
We have a uniquely wide-ranging group of cedars that grow here, some of which cause severe winter allergy symptoms. Another notorious tree that’s common is the Ashe juniper, which pollinates in December and January.
The symptoms caused by this tree’s pollen include itchy eyes, an incessantly runny nose, excessive sneezing, fatigue, and uncomfortable sinus pressure. But the Ashe juniper isn’t alone — all of our area’s allergens can make you want to stay in bed.
The amount of pollen a male Ashe juniper produces may surprise — and scare — you, because just one tree can produce an astounding 500 billion (yes, that’s with a B) distinct pollen grains.
In the spring, many pollen-producing trees, from ash, pecan, and pine to oak and elm, hinder the lives of allergy sufferers. In addition to trees, molds, flowers, and grasses contribute to allergy unhappiness in the spring.
During late summer and fall, you’ve got certain types of elms to contend with, as well as ragweed.
Since multiple things are exploding at every time of year here in Central Texas, a miserable time for those with allergies is not uncommon.
You may ask, why would I be affected by pollen from a faraway plant? The answer is the wind.
Unfortunately, pollen is able to travel great distances — for example, pollen from plants in the Hill Country that surrounds our region is transported here by gusts and breezes. So even though something may not grow in our area, it doesn’t mean we can’t experience an allergic reaction from its pollen.
Research originating from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that climate change is factoring into how Central Texans cope with allergies. Our allergy seasons aren’t only becoming fiercer, but they’re also getting longer. This means that pollen stays in the air for longer periods of time.
Even though Central Texans face unique and significant allergy challenges, treatments that can make life bearable again are available.
Seeking treatment for wicked Central Texas allergies is the smartest step you can take. Our team gives you a thorough evaluation, taking into account whether you have a family history of allergies or live with asthma, as well as your symptoms and when they’re at their worst.
From there, we create an allergy treatment plan that’s tailored to your symptoms and needs. Your treatment plan might include:
When it comes to getting lasting relief from Central Texas allergies, you can count on us.
Contact our Round Rock, Georgetown, or Killeen, Texas, office to make an appointment, or you can use our convenient online booking tool.
