If you live in Houston, there are several allergens you will want to be aware of. Knowing what you are allergic to and how to treat them can help you deal with the problem. These are the substances known to cause allergy sufferers grief in the Houston area.
Pollen
Pollen is one of the most common allergens in the Houston area and throughout other parts of the United States. Out of 67 million allergic people in the US, 81 percent say pollen is one of the substances they are allergic to. It is an airborne allergen, which means it can be carried by the wind and spread easily. Pollen is created by grasses, weeds, and trees. It can cause hayfever, irritate sinuses, eyes, and skin.
Oak
Oak is another common allergen in the Houston area. It is predominate in the spring. Oak can cause sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose and a cough.
Juniper
The Juniper tree is another substance that many Houston residents have problems with in the spring. This allergen causes sneezing, congestion, and watery nasal discharge.
Birch
Birch trees are becoming more and more popular. This means the Birch allergy is also on the rise. If you experience unexplained eye and nasal allergy symptoms in the springtime, the culprit might just be Birch. This allergen mimics cold and flu symptoms, but without the fever.
Cedar
Another strong tree-related allergen is Cedar. This allergen produces strong symptoms of hayfever, sneezing, and nasal symptoms. Texas is the state with the most Cedar pollen. Cedar pollen can be present in the winter or the spring. It also has long-distance mobility, making it even more of a problem allergen.
Ash
Ash is another predominant Houston allergy producer. Symptoms of this allergy include asthma, nasal symptoms, and even allergic conjunctivitis.
Ponderosa Pine
Pine is another common allergen in the area of Houston. People can be allergic to inhaling allergens or even touching them. Airborne pine allergies are most common in the spring. An inhaled allergy to pine can cause runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Touching the pine or pine sap can cause a rash or itching at the site.
Annual Ragweed
Popular in Texas and many other areas of the United States, annual ragweed allergens are present in the summer and fall. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and water eyes.
Arroyo Willow
Arroyo willow is in season between February and April in the state of Texas. It is a severe allergen, causing sneezing, coughing, and even asthma.
Box Elder
Box Elder, another tree, is among allergens in Houston. It is in season between January and May. It is a common maple species tree over most of the United States. The pollen of the Box Elder tree is produced in abundance in the spring season. It also has the highest levels of allergenicity of all tree pollens. Symptoms are mainly respiratory including asthma, sneezing, and runny nose. Skin reactions and symptoms, like rash, pain, and itchiness, can also be present in the event that pollens or the tree have come into contact with skin.
Talk to an ENT doctor today if you feel you are suffering from allergy symptoms caused by allergens in Houston. There are many treatments available that can make your life as an allergy sufferer more livable and enjoyable.