Central Texas Residents Battle Peak Ragweed Allergy Season
AUSTIN, TX – Central Texas is experiencing a surge in allergy symptoms as ragweed pollen counts reach their peak, impacting residents with sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory discomfort. Experts say the unusually mild and warm weather has contributed to prolonged ragweed growth and a later-than-usual bloom season extending into November.
Dr. Ray rodriguez, an allergist with Baylor Scott & White, explains that ragweed thrives in the region’s climate. “Central Texas is the weather. We have unusual milder weather, and it’s hotter.And then the ragweed plant will start growing in the spring. It grows more in the summer, it tends to bloom in September, October and November,” he said.
Common allergy symptoms include a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and cough, particularly for those with asthma. Dr. Rodriguez advises individuals prone to allergies to proactively manage their symptoms. ”they should have to start taking their oral medications and the nasal sprays around early August, not wait until they have their symptoms to start using them. So you tend to prevent them ahead of time,” he stated.
To minimize pollen exposure, Dr. Rodriguez recommends removing shoes and changing clothes immediately upon entering the home after spending time outdoors, preventing the transfer of pollen to furniture and bedding.
Health officials are also reminding residents to be aware of overlapping symptoms with COVID-19, which is also currently on the rise in Texas. Fever, chills, severe body aches, and a sudden loss of smell are indicators that may suggest a COVID-19 infection.
Individuals experiencing allergy symptoms can consult a doctor for skin or blood tests to identify specific allergens. Ragweed season typically concludes after the first hard frost, with cedar fever anticipated to begin around december.