According to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), cities in Texas rank high in the occurrence of allergies during the fall months in comparison to the rest of the country.
A common misperception is that allergies occur only in spring, but if you suffer from runny nose, sneezing and coughing in the fall, you know that this can be a difficult time of year. Specifically, West Texas has pollens that occur only in the fall. This powdery pollen floats easily in the wind. If you are allergic to this pollen, you may suffer from sneezing, sniffling, runny nose, coughing, itching, and watery eyes.
You may have heard the term hay-fever, but this syndrome is also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis and is more likely to be triggered by something other than hay.
Allergy triggers vary depending on the time of year. In late summer and early autumn, weed pollen, mold spores and, to a lesser extent, tree and grass pollen are the most common culprits. Sufferers from these troublesome allergens know that the fall can be much worse than the spring.
Outdoor molds become plentiful in the fall and are often found in fallen leaves, vegetation, soil, and water-damaged walls. Warm and humid conditions encourage mold growth and unlike pollens, molds can survive light frost. Common mold culprits include Alternaria, Cladosporium and Aspergillus. There are some trees and grasses that pollinate into the fall, and several varieties of weeds pollinate until the first freeze.
Molds can also be found inside the home. They commonly grow in carpets, upholstery, refrigerators, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics.
Here are some tips to reduce exposure. The best strategy for fall allergy sufferers is avoidance of the offending allergens to reduce total exposure. It is helpful to know that the pollen dispersal is from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. Avoidance of outdoor activities during this peak time can be helpful. West Texas is known for its blustery winds and it is best to avoid outdoor activities on dry windy days. Wearing a facemask can be effective in avoiding pollen when these conditions exist. It may also help to wash hair and shower after outdoor activities. It is best to keep windows and doors closed to reduce indoor exposure to outdoor pollens. Spring clean during the fall season. This may help rid the house of mold spores and weed pollen. Tobacco smoke, gasoline fumes and insect sprays should also be avoided.
Symptoms of fall allergies are often confused with cold or upper respiratory syndrome. It is important to remember that allergies rarely cause a fever but will result in a nasal discharge that is watery or clear. There is rarely a cough and the symptoms may last weeks to months. However, colds can cause fever, thick colored nasal discharge and cough. These symptoms usually last no longer than a week.
The Allergy Clinic of Lubbock provides a comprehensive spectrum of treatment for allergy sufferers. A diagnostic allergy evaluation is done to determine if allergies exist and if so, allergy testing may be done to determine the offending allergens. Other less aggressive treatment options may be available but this is best determined on an individual basis.
Please call The Allergy Clinic of Lubbock at (806) 793-8963 for more information or to schedule an evaluation.