What are the worst allergies in Dallas?

Along with fine dining, museums, and musical events, Dallas’s warmer climate means that many outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.

Unfortunately, a warmer climate also means more allergy triggers. In fact, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has included Dallas on its list of “The Most Challenging Places to Live With Spring Allergies.”

Whether you just moved to Dallas from another state or have lived here for many years, it’s likely that you or someone you know has experienced severe allergy symptoms. So what is causing these allergy symptoms in Dallas, and what can you do about them?

What kinds of allergies do you find in Dallas?

Although Dallas does experience the four seasons, autumns and winters in Dallas are more mild than in cooler climates. This subtropical climate also means that many trees, grasses, and other plants can grow and bloom for a longer period of the year. This can make Dallas’ allergy season especially long and frustrating for those with allergies to these plants.

Dallas is home to many trees and grasses that create pollen for reproduction. While late spring and summer tend to be the worst months, many allergy-triggering plants and other organisms can be found year-round. A few of these plants and their strongest allergen-producing periods include:

●    Elm trees, which start to bloom and release pollen in February and March

●    Oak trees, which can release pollen well into May

●    Grasses, which bloom and release their pollen into late summer months

●    Ragweed, which causes the most hay fever in the country, triggers allergies in Dallas from mid-August through November, usually ending with the first frost

Other trees that can cause allergy problems in the Dallas area include hickory,pecan, cedar elm, ash, and juniper.

Another cause of allergy aggravation is Texas’ windy weather. Many plants depend on the wind to carry their pollen for reproduction. This means that, in a breezy location like Texas, pollen can be spread throughout a wide area.

For example, spring winds from the south and southwest may spread pollen from Central to North Texas. This means that your allergies could be triggered by pollen from trees many miles away!

Signs that you may have allergies

While allergies often feel like a cold, the signs and symptoms of allergies in Dallas tend to start suddenly and last days or even weeks. In contrast, cold symptoms come on gradually and usually last for about a week.

Most people with seasonal or environmental allergies in Dallas experience one or more of the following symptoms:

●    Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose

●    Scratchy or sore throat

●    Itchy, stinging, red, or watery eyes

●    Coughing and wheezing

●    Fatigue or difficulty sleeping,especially if you have trouble breathing or you’re up late sneezing

How to treat and control allergies in Dallas

When was the last time you changed your air filters? You may have heard this advice before, though not necessarily about allergies. Besides keeping your home cleaner, healthier, and more efficient, frequently changing your air filters(at least every 6 months) can help control your allergies by keeping mold and dust under control, and filtering out allergens that may come in from the outside.

Other ways to control allergies in your home:

●    Change clothes and wash your hair after spending extended time outside to remove pollen that may be sticking to your skin or clothing.

●    Keep jackets, shoes, and other items worn outside near the door; don’t bring them into the bedroom.

●    Use a HEPA filter in your home to help reduce or eliminate allergens and particles.

●    Use over-the-counter nasal spray sand antihistamines for as long as you are exposed to the allergens

●    Have cats or dogs? Pollen can collect in their fur, so bathe them regularly.

●    Avoid drying clothes outside.

Even when venturing outside, there are ways to help control your allergy exposure:

●    If you know what your specific triggers are, track when they are strongest and limit your exposure. Apps and websites like Pollen.com can help with this.

●    Keep trees on your property trimmed to reduce their ability to release pollen.

●    Wear safety gloves and masks when working outside for lengthy periods.

●    Pollen is more active from 5am to 10am, so limit outdoor activities during these hours

While Dallas may be a great place to live, it can also be a source of troublesome allergies. Unlike a cold or flu, allergies don’t necessarily go away in a few days or weeks. As long as you continue to be exposed to the allergen, you’re likely to keep having allergy symptoms.

If you're ready to get rid of allergies for good, visit us! We have clinics in the areas of, Arlington, Dallas (near Highland Park), Denton, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grapevine/Southlake, Keller, Las Colinas, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, and West Fort Worth (near Ridglea Country Club)!

We also have an amazing team that is ready to serve you and is highly trained in testing, diagnosing, and treating outdoor allergies! Our San Antonio team includes, Dr. Chris Thompson, sinus surgeon/sinus medical director, Dr. Eric J. Schmitt, allergist, Dr. Alvin J. Aubry, allergist, Dr. Bob Lanier, allergist, Megan Perkins, PA-C, Jofy Kuriakose, APRN, FNP-C, Amanda Thomas, PA-C, Jackie Wilson, APRN, FNP-C, Denise Peck, ARNP, Donna Yu, PA-C, Donnie Stone, MPAS, PA-C, and Kenzie Boen, PA-C! 

If you’re looking to get long term relief from allergies, our allergy specialists at Aspire Allergy & Sinus can help you achieve long term relief from your allergies. Book your appointment online today and come see us!