Spring is right around the corner, which means allergy season for millions of Americans, unfortunately. Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is something people worldwide must deal with every single year. From the annoyance of an itchy nose, throat, ears, or eyes to sneezing, stuffiness, and a runny nose, the symptoms are undesirable, to say the least.
The way allergies work is that a person’s immune system misjudges a particular substance (such as pollen or grass) and interprets it as a dangerous pathogen. At this point, your system raises its defenses every time it comes in contact with particles of the allergen, triggering an onslaught of unpleasant side effects.
In order to get you ready for hay fever season, we thought it would be helpful to go over some of the most common allergens:
- Weeds – Most people experience an allergic reaction to weeds in the late summer or early fall, specifically to ragweed. There are 17 different species of ragweed and they can be found in nearly every region of the United States. Other common weed allergens include sagebrush, pigweed, and goosefoot pollen.
- Molds – Another common allergen, molds are microscopic plants that reproduce by sending tiny spores into the air. Unfortunately, mold can hang around in your house year-round and thrive in areas that are dark, warm, and moist.
- Dust Mites – These small, eight-legged creatures belong in the same family as spiders, chiggers, and ticks. They prefer to live in warm, humid places and are oftentimes found in carpets, upholstered furniture, bedding, clothes, soft toys, and pets.
- Grasses – Many people are allergic to a wide variety of grasses, including timothy grass, Bermuda grass, sweet vernal, red top, and even blue grass. Grasses usually stir up allergy symptoms once trees are done pollinating, so in the late spring to early summer.
- Pollen – Pollen is produced from trees and is a dust-like particle that causes allergies in millions. In some parts of Texas and other southern states, trees can actually produce pollen as early as January. However, pollen production typically does not begin until April in the northern states. The oak tree is perhaps the largest producer of pollen and a major cause of allergies. Evergreens, cedar, juniper, cypress, sequoia, elm, birch, and olive trees are all troublemakers as well.
If you are one of the millions who suffers from allergies year after year, it may be a good idea to contact your Dallas allergy doctor. Here at Central Park ENT, our knowledgeable allergy staff will work with you to determine what, exactly, is triggering your allergies and come up with a solution specific to your needs. From allergy shots to allergy drops or over-the-counter medication, there are numerous treatment options for those suffering from allergies. Get in touch with us today and book an appointment.