Allergies in El Paso: What You Need To Know About Allergy Season In El Paso, TX

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Allergies in El Paso: What You Need To Know About Allergy Season In El Paso, TX

El Paso, one of the most popular cities of Texas, is home to more than 680,000 people and boasts of a v rich demographic with a healthy mix of people of all ages.

Like all cities in the United States, allergy season can take a toll on El Paso. Springtime is certainly beautiful in the Sun City but many fear going outside to enjoy the outdoors because of the allergens.

In 2018, El Paso was ranked 13th in the list of the most challenging places to live with spring allergies by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

El Paso’s warm and windy climate has airborne particulates like sand, seeds and undeniably, pollen. This atmosphere is very favorable for allergens as they easily spread thanks to the wind and air pressure differences. Although the allergy season in El Paso starts around March, it can be early or delayed. The National Allergy Map is very handy when you want to know forecasts on allergen content in the US.

Allergies in El Paso: What should I look for?!

Allergen is a very broad term that is used to denote any particle or substance that causes an allergic reaction. In El Paso, allergy season is caused by mainly three types of pollens:

Tree Pollen: Tree pollen is observed during Springtime. If the place has received heavy rainfall prior to the pollen season, then there will an increase in the amount of pollen release. There are a variety of trees in El Paso that pollinate between the months of March and May. Here’s many of the trees that release pollen in El Paso:

  • Arizona Cypress
  • Oak
  • Cottonwood
  • Long-flower catclaw
  • Prairie Wattle
  • Mesquite

Grass Pollen: El Paso is blessed with diverse species of grass, and most of them do contribute to the allergy season. Grasses have a lengthy pollination period. They will be active from March to November, peak times being in summer. Here’s common grass types found in El Paso:

  • Bermuda
  • Fescue
  • Johnson
  • Perennial Rye Grass
  • Kentucky Blue Grass

Ragweed or weed Pollen: These are flowering plants that are capable of releasing massive amounts of pollen. During peak ragweed season, a single ragweed plant can release about a billion grains of pollen into the air.  They are active from August to early November.  Here are some of the common ragweeds found in El Paso:

  • Carelessweed
  • Chinese Mustard
  • Dragon wormwood
  • Firebush
  • Sagebrush

Over the span of a year, tree pollination happens first, followed by grass pollination and then ragweed pollination, which spans till late summer.

How to protect yourself from Allergies in El Paso during Spring Season?

Allergens enter the body through inhalation, skin contact, food or circulatory system. Pollens are airborne allergens and enter the body mainly when a person inhales them. Like we discussed, the hot and windy nature of El Paso makes it easy for pollens to travel great distances through just wind.

There are ways to safeguard yourself or minimize the effects of the allergens.

Get to know your immune reactions

Allergic reaction to pollen is just one out of many types of allergic reactions. Sometimes a person may have no problem with pollen but suffer from drug allergy, food allergy, pet allergy or even insect allergy. So finding out what your body is reactive against is an important part of treating it. It might take some time for you to pinpoint the cause or may require formal allergy testing.

Pay attention to pollen peak times

During the day time, pollen content is more evident between 5 am and 10 am. There are many ways in which you can check the level of allergens present in the air during these times. Weather forecasts include allergy tracker metrics. Make sure that you don’t spend more time outside during these hours because avoiding your allergens is the best defense against allergic reactions.

Eat healthy

Natural foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can combat or alleviate the effects of allergens. Foods that contain quercetin (onion, berries, peppers, barley) are effective against histamine reactions. Other nutrients like vitamin C and bromelain are effective against inflammations. A daily intake of ginger and honey (especially local) are also advised to minimize the effects of allergens on the body.

Take a shower after you venture out

One bath a day mantra has to change when its allergy season. Removing all the outside contaminants from your body after you spend time outside is important to keep your body safe from pollens or other allergens.

Take your medications on time

If you have medications for allergic reactions, don’t miss out on the timings. Medicine does help your body to be irresponsible to allergens, but it is temporary. We often think that our body has naturally adjusted to the allergen; however, such cases are very rare. Having your medicines on time lets you enjoy the active lifestyle without fearing the allergens that lurk outside. Some doctors also recommend taking your medications a few weeks before the allergy season to help your immune system better defend itself when allergens do enter your body.

Don’t delay visit a doctor if symptoms worsen

If you feel that you are having a tough time coping with allergic reactions and the symptoms are worsening, don’t delay visiting the doctor for help. Here’s a list of common allergy symptoms:

  • Blocked or runny nose
  • Elevated recurrence of sneezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Watery eyes accompanied by redness or itching
  • Muscle cramps, stomach ache, or vomiting
  • Red or cracked skin

Prevention is the best form of cure

Don’t delay medical assistance till the allergy season gets in full swing. Schedule a visit with us early and share your experience with allergens or past allergy seasons. At Bee Well El Paso Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive care to help families better defend against allergens. You can always count on us to give your family the medical care that you need!

 

http://www.pollenlibrary.com/Local/Allergens/in/El%20paso%20County/TX/in/Fall/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5abd091d620b852492cc4121/t/5b04220d2b6a2868279f5041/1526997517741/El_Paso_Pollen_Calendar.341162640.pdf

 

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