Spring Allergies: Your Guide to Stay Clear in Lamesa, Texas

Spring is the period where flowers, trees and brushes are just waking up from a long rest. A beautiful time darkened by its effects in some, since it is when plants release pollen, spores and other allergens that flow into the air. Not to cause you harm, but to fulfill the important role of pollinating and fertilizing other plants. Unfortunately, it’s possible that your immune system is sensitive to this process—a problem that at least 25.7% of adults in the US experience.

Common Spring Allergies in Lamesa, Texas

Spring is a common season for allergic reactions to rise nationwide. In Lamesa, Texas, the diverse plant life and landscapes translates into a wide variety of trees, grasses and weeds. Said flora releases pollen, spores and other allergens that can trigger unfortunate reactions for some people in the area. 

Tree pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies in the state of Texas during spring. Through this season, pollen count rises significantly, with large amounts of it covering everything they reach. Some trees that release allergy-causing pollen in this state include:

• Elm
• Ash
• Oak
• Pecan
• Juniper
• Cottonwood

Although pollen is one of the largest causes of allergies in spring, there are other factors that can contribute to allergic reactions during this season. One of these is mold, a common allergen that benefits from the warm and damp environments of spring, causing its presence to rise. Pet dander and shedding can also be a reason for allergies during this time, due to an increased molting from dogs and cats.

Related: Find Relief from Seasonal Allergies: Understanding Your Triggers

Symptoms of Spring Allergies

At the start of spring, experiencing symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose can be usual for a number of people. That’s just your immune system trying to clear your sinuses from pollen and spores. Although some could assume that those are cold or flu symptoms, when these signs last for longer than a week, it’s likely that your situation is not caused by influenza. That’s why we at South Plains Rural Health believe that learning to identify your seasonal allergy symptoms is essential.

Common symptoms that usually accompany spring allergies are:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Ear infections
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing and wheezing
• Pain in eyes or forehead
• Clear discharge from the nose
• Itchiness in nose, eyes, ears, and throat

How to Keep Your Spring Allergies Under Control

One of the first steps to manage your allergic reactions is knowing your triggers and learning to identify when your symptoms are caused by influenza or spring allergies. Now that that’s covered, let’s go through some other things you can do to keep your allergies under control. 

To survive this season of the year, it’s essential to avoid your allergens. Some recommendations to accomplish this are:

• Allergens: Keep windows and doors closed whenever possible to prevent allergens from wandering into your home—or car when road traveling.
• Animal dander and fur: Vacuum and clean frequently to clear your home from animal molting, dust, spores and pollen.
• Air quality: Keep your HVAC system and filters in optimal conditions, use dehumidifiers and portable air cleaners to keep the air quality inside your home clear and minimize your contact with allergens.
• Mowing: Use a mask when mowing your lawn to prevent the whirl of pollen and spores to cause allergic reactions.
• Indoor activities: Try to do most activities inside your home—including exercising. If you step outside, take a shower as soon as going back to remove allergens from your skin and hair.
• Going out: Always consult allergen forecasts for Lamesa, Texas, before stepping out from home. Try to avoid going out on windy days, since that’s when allergens are blown about the most.
• Medications: Ask our family medicine specialist about allergy medications, nasal sprays or shots—if your symptoms are too severe—to keep them under control.

Read more: Spring Allergies in Texas: Symptoms & Triggers