|
Every year in Central Texas, the
“Cedar Fever” winter allergy threat from Mountain Cedar gives
way to springtime breezes swirling with pollen from numerous
types of trees, including oak, elm, ash, and sycamore. The
result? More watery eyes and runny noses for those with seasonal
allergies.
This winter’s abundant rainfall
may have dampened the full effects of cedar pollen among some
seasonal allergy sufferers, but the excess moisture has likely
set the stage for an unusually miserable spring allergy season
in Central Texas. In other words, goodbye cedar fever, hello
tree pollen plague. There is hope, however, for people living
with allergies, says
John Villacis, M.D., an
allergist/immunologist with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC).
Every year in Central Texas, the
“Cedar Fever” winter allergy threat from Mountain Cedar gives
way to springtime breezes swirling with pollen from numerous
types of trees, including oak, elm, ash, and sycamore. The
result? More watery eyes and runny noses for those with seasonal
allergies. |
 |
|
This winter’s abundant rainfall
may have dampened the full effects of cedar pollen among some
seasonal allergy sufferers, but the excess moisture has likely
set the stage for an unusually miserable spring allergy season
in Central Texas. In other words, goodbye cedar fever, hello
tree pollen plague. There is hope, however, for people living
with allergies, says John Villacis, M.D., an allergist/immunologist
with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC).
“The combination of mild climate
and allergen-producing plants that grow in Central Texas means
we live in one of the most challenging places in the world for
people with allergies,” says Dr. Villacis. “But that doesn’t
necessarily mean you have to spend the next three months
coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.”
What causes allergies? Why me?
Most people have no reaction when
exposed to tree pollen or mold spores. But for an estimated 40
million people in the United States, the body’s natural defense
mechanisms overreact when exposed to these seemingly benign
plant byproducts. It’s not clear exactly why it happens, but in
essence, some people treat pollens as if they are something more
malicious, such as a germ, instead of an unassuming speck, Dr.
Villacis explains. This causes the body to release immunologic
antibodies and chemicals such as histamine, resulting in
localized inflammation, irritation, and discomfort of the mucous
membranes that line the nasal passages.
“If you have allergies, you
already know what this means: constant sneezing, itchy throat,
swollen sinuses, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes,” Dr.
Villacis says.
These same particles can sometimes
inflame your airways, too, resulting in allergy-induced asthma,
which is a common type of asthma in the United States, Dr.
Villacis adds. He says this year’s Cedar Fever was less severe
than normal because above-average rainfall rinsed away much of
the microscopic pollen particles which cause Cedar Fever. We
won’t be so lucky this spring, however, because the extra
moisture will only serve to enhance the production of pollen in
many common trees.
Locally-grown allergens
Most people with seasonal
allergies have adverse reactions to pollen from a very select
number of plants. In Central Texas, there are at least three
distinct pollen seasons: ragweed in the fall, mountain cedar in
the winter, and tree pollen in the spring. Most trees in the
region start to pollinate in March and produce peak amounts of
pollen in April, before slowing down again in May. Central Texas
is home to several species known to be especially problematic
for those with allergies, most notably ash, sycamore, mulberry,
willow, oak, fall elm, American elm, pecan, and mesquite.
Treatment options abound
(Allergy
Skin Testing)
The best advice for anyone who
thinks they are having allergies is to talk to a board certified
allergist to help determine exactly which plants are causing an
allergic reaction, Dr. Villacis explains. If a person is found
to have specific allergic reactions, there are a variety of
potential treatments to alleviate the symptoms, ranging from
avoidance measures like staying inside with the doors and
windows closed, to taking over-the-counter or prescription
medications. Allergy shots can also be used, resulting in
significant improvement and sometimes complete resolution of
your allergy symptoms.
Over-the-counter antihistamines,
decongestants, and other medications may be sufficient in many
cases to relieve symptoms. For more severe cases, prescription
medications such as corticosteroid nasal sprays may be used.
These drugs sometimes take a week or so before they start to
bring relief, however.
Nothing can completely rid a home
of allergens. Some simple ways to curb seasonal allergies
involve minimizing your exposure to the pollens causing the
problem in the first place, Dr. Villacis says. Tips include
using an allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers, regularly
washing sheets and blankets in hot water, and frequently
cleaning floors and furniture. Beyond preventative cleaning,
keeping the doors and windows sealed and running the air
conditioner with a filtration system can go a long way toward
minimizing your pollen exposure. Finally, before you spend time
outdoors, check the weather. Pollen tends to be at its highest
levels in the morning and on dry, windy days. Many local media
now issue daily pollen forecasts, so you can know in advance
whether or not it might be a bad idea to be outside.
“Seasonal allergies are something
millions of us have to live with,” says Dr. Villacis. “But
there’s no reason you can’t enjoy life by receiving the proper
medical treatment, and simply avoiding the source of your
allergies whenever possible.”
|
