Austin ranks on list of challenging places to live with allergies
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Springtime in Austin brings high pollen counts, part of why it landed on a list of the most challenging places to live with allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Austin ranked 45 out of 100 — not as bad as Dallas (No. 13), Houston (26), McAllen (27) or San Antonio (37). The report based its ranking on pollen scores for tree, grass and weed pollen; use of over-the-counter allergy medication; and the number of allergy specialists in the area.
Austin was highlighted in the report as having one of the highest sums of "high" and "very high" days for tree pollen — the culprit behind most spring allergy symptoms.
Right now, residents in Central Texas are experiencing symptoms such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes due to the pollen in the area. Dr. John Villacis, an allergist at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, said he's seen more people coming in recently because of the high pollen levels, but added that pollen is present year-round with different types dominating each season.
"There's always something pollinating in Central Texas," Villacis said, from cedar in the winter to tree pollen in the spring, then grass pollen and a fall season dominated by ragweed pollen.
Villacis recommends people prepare for allergy season by first understanding what they're allergic to, and then starting medications before symptoms appear. Over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec, combined with nasal sprays like Flonase, can effectively manage symptoms for most patients, Villacis said.
In addition to medications, Villacis advises taking preventive measures such as changing sheets weekly, replacing air filters and showering at night to reduce exposure to allergens.
He said his clinic is seeing a lot of people with asthma as well, including children experiencing asthma attacks.
"Asthma is many times, especially with kids, closely related to allergy," Villacis said. "So if you hear your child coughing up a storm or wheezing, they should be seen."
They should also be seen if they have swollen or bloodshot eyes or discharge.
If people have tried medications and still aren't seeing relief, Villacis said their allergies could either be "crazy bad," or there could be another cause.
"I also say to patients, maybe it's not 100% allergy," Villacis said. "You could be dealing with a sinus problem, you could be dealing with other things that look like allergies but are not necessarily allergies."
All facts from this article were gathered by KXAN journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI tools.
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