Texas Is One of the Worst Places for Allergies and Here’s Why

Why are allergies so bad in Texas?

Due to Texas' temperate climate, it has the ideal conditions for plants to grow almost year-round, resulting in an extended allergy season that can be particularly severe. As plants continue to pollinate until there is a hard freeze, the allergy season can last well into the fall and even winter, making it difficult for allergy sufferers to find relief. Texas is also home to a diverse range of plant species, including oak, cedar, and mesquite trees, which are all known to produce high levels of pollen. All of these factors combined make Texas a challenging place to live for those with allergies. 

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When is allergy season in Texas?

Texas' allergy season can vary depending on the region and the specific allergen. Like most of the country, the spring allergy season is known to be a particularly bad time for allergies in Texas due to the high levels of tree pollen in the air. This season typically lasts from February to May. The fall season can also be problematic for allergy sufferers, as ragweed and other weeds release pollen into the air from August to November. However, it is important to note that Texas' allergy season is not limited to just these two seasons. Due to the state's temperate climate, many allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander are present year-round. This means that people with Texas allergies may experience symptoms throughout the year, even outside of the traditional allergy seasons. 

Download our free allergy calendar to keep up with what allergens are high in Texas all year. 

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Spring Allergy Season in Texas

Spring is a time when many people suffer from Texas allergies due to the high levels of pollen in the air. The most common allergens during this season are tree pollens such as oak, mesquite, and pecan. These trees are abundant in Texas, and their lightweight pollen can travel miles, causing allergic reactions in many people. The warm and humid climate of Texas also contributes to the growth of mold, which can be another common allergen during the spring season. Additionally, springtime in Texas is also the season for wildflowers, which can produce pollen and cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

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Summer Allergy Season in Texas

Summer is probably one of the tamer allergy seasons in Texas, but it’s still pretty bad. The most common Texas allergens during this season are grass pollens such as Bermuda, Johnson, and Timothy grasses. These grasses are abundant in Texas and can produce large amounts of pollen, causing allergic reactions in many people. Additionally, the hot and humid climate of Texas during the summer can also lead to the growth of mold spores, which can be another common allergen during this season. 

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Fall Allergy Season in Texas

Fall is a season when many people suffer from Texas allergies due to the high levels of pollen in the air. The most common allergens during this season are weed pollen such as ragweed, sagebrush, and goldenrod. These weeds are abundant in Texas and can produce large amounts of pollen, causing allergic reactions in many people. Additionally, as the weather cools down, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can increase exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Weed pollens, indoor allergens, and mold are a big reason why you might be feeling bad in the fall. However, it’s always best to get an allergy test to determine exactly which allergens are affecting you. 

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Winter Allergy Season in Texas

Winter in Texas is a season when many people suffer from allergies due to the high levels of indoor allergens. The most common allergens during this season are indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold. As the weather cools down, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can increase exposure to these allergens. Dust mites can be found in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, while pet dander can be found in homes with pets. Mold can grow in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Additionally, the use of indoor heating systems during the winter can dry out the air, causing dry skin and nasal passages, which can make allergy symptoms worse. 

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Common allergens in Texas

Grass Allergies

Grass allergies are a common type of seasonal allergy in Texas. Grasses release pollen during the spring and summer months, which can trigger allergic reactions like itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, or grass rash in susceptible individuals. 

• Bermuda grass: Bermuda grass is a common grass in Texas and is known for its fine texture and drought tolerance. It can be found in lawns, parks, and sports fields throughout the state.
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• Johnson grass: Johnson grass is a tall, coarse grass that is often found in pastures and along roadsides in Texas. It is known for its ability to grow quickly and can produce large amounts of pollen.
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• Timothy grass: Timothy grass is a cool-season grass that is commonly found in Texas. It is often used for hay and forage and can be found in fields and pastures throughout the state. 
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• Bahia grass: Bahia grass is a coarse, tough grass that is often used as a pasture grass in Texas. It is known for its ability to grow in poor soil conditions and can be found in fields and along roadsides throughout the state. 
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• Rye grass: Rye grass is a cool-season grass that can be found in parks, meadows, and fields throughout Texas.

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Tree Allergies

Tree allergies are a common type of seasonal Texas allergy. Trees produce pollen during the spring season, which can trigger an allergic reaction including sneezing, a runny nose, postnasal drip, and itchy eyes in susceptible individuals. 

• Oak: Oak trees are common in Texas and can be found in both urban and rural areas. They are large trees with distinctive lobed leaves and produce large amounts of pollen in the spring. 
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• Cedar: Cedar trees are prevalent in Texas and are known for their distinctive aroma. They release large amounts of pollen in the winter, which can cause allergic reactions in many people throughout the state of Texas. 
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• Pecan: Pecan trees are native to Texas and are popular for their nuts. Pecan trees can be found all throughout Texas. While some may be allergic to their nuts, their pollen can also be the cause of your allergies. They typically produce pollen in the spring. 
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• ‍Mesquite: Mesquite trees are common in Texas and are known for their thorny branches. They produce pollen in the spring and fall.
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Weed allergies 

Weeds are a common type of allergy in Texas due to the state's warm and humid climate, which is conducive to the growth of various weed species. These allergies can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and hives. 

• Ragweed is a common weed that grows throughout Texas and is known for its small, greenish-yellow flowers. It typically blooms from August to November and can produce large amounts of pollen.
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• Pigweed is a common weed that grows throughout Texas and is known for its small, greenish flowers. It typically blooms from June to October.

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Dust and Mold

Another reason why allergies are so bad in Texas is because of the high levels of dust and mold in the air. The warm and humid climate in Texas creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive. In addition, Texas is known for its dusty landscapes, which can lead to high levels of dust in the air.

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Is Texas the worst state for allergies?

Texas is often considered one of the worst states for allergies due to its climate and geography. The state has a diverse range of plant life, including many species of trees, grasses, and weeds that release pollen into the air. Additionally, Texas has a warm and humid climate that encourages the growth of mold and fungi, which can also trigger allergy symptoms. The high levels of air pollution in urban areas can further exacerbate allergy symptoms. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, several cities in Texas, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, consistently rank among the top 25 worst cities for allergies in the United States. However, it is important to note that allergies can affect individuals differently, and some people may experience more severe symptoms than others, regardless of where they live.

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How to avoid allergy symptoms in Texas

With a little help, you can manage your allergy symptoms during the year-long allergy season that Texas faces. Here are some of our best tips to avoid Texas allergy symptoms: 

• Keep track of the pollen count in your area and try to stay indoors on days when the count is high.
  
  
• Use air conditioning instead of opening windows to keep pollen and other allergens out of your home.
  
  
• Clean your home regularly to remove dust, pet dander, and other allergens.
  
  
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons, such as spring and fall.
  
  
• Wear a mask when doing outdoor activities, such as yard work, to avoid inhaling allergens.
  
  
• Consider getting allergy tested to identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms.
  
  
• Consider allergy shots or allergy drops as a long-term treatment option to reduce the severity of your allergies.
  
  
• Shower after coming in from outdoors to remove pollen and other allergens.
  
  
• Avoid smoking or being around smoke, as it can worsen allergy symptoms.

By following these tips, you can help prevent allergies and manage your symptoms if you do experience an allergic reaction.

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How to treat your Texas allergies:

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a treatment option for people with Texas allergies that can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Allergy shots work by exposing the body to small amounts of allergens over time, gradually building up the body's immunity to the allergen and reducing the severity of the allergic reaction. The treatment involves regular injections of small amounts of the allergen, usually administered over a period of several years. Allergy shots can be personalized to target your specific allergens. Allergy shots can also help reduce the need for medication and provide long-term relief from allergies.

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Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, are another treatment option for people with Texas allergies that can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Allergy drops work in a similar way to allergy shots, by exposing the body to small amounts of allergens over time to build up the body's immunity to the allergen. However, instead of injections, allergy drops are administered orally, under the tongue. The drops are taken daily, and can be customized to target specific allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Allergy drops can be an effective alternative to allergy shots, especially for people who are uncomfortable with needles. They can also be taken at home, making them a convenient treatment option!

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Exact Immunoplasty is a newer treatment option for people with Texas allergies that can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. With just three injections over the span of eight weeks, you can start feeling relief! ExACT Immunoplasty can lead to faster and more effective relief from allergy symptoms and is clinically proven to be as effective as three years worth of allergy shots. Exact Immunoplasty is a quick and efficient treatment to help manage Texas allergies.

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How Aspire Allergy & Sinus can help

We know how miserable the year-long allergy season can be, but it is possible to manage these symptoms and enjoy all that Texas has to offer. Aspire Allergy & Sinus specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, offering personalized treatment plans to help patients find lasting allergy relief. If you suffer from allergies in Texas, booking an appointment with Aspire Allergy & Sinus can be the first step towards a life free of allergy symptoms!

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