If you live in Houston, you’ve likely learned to live with the pollen that covers cars, sidewalks, and streets every spring. You might be surprised to find out that because of our warm and humid climate, pollen allergies can happen year-round, due to different plants releasing their pollen during different seasons.
This year is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for pollen, but you don’t have to suffer. Here’s what you need to know about pollen allergies in Houston and when to seek medical help.
Top Allergen Causing Plants and Grasses in Houston
Houston is famous for its oak lined streets, but unfortunately, they also contribute to the Springtime pollen count. Summer brings grass allergies, and your nose isn’t safe during Fall or Winter, either.
Spring Plant Allergens
Springtime in Texas means these trees are shedding huge amounts of pollen, covering cars and sidewalks with fine yellow powder.
Oak Trees:
- Peak Season: February through May
- Produces massive amounts of fine, yellow grains
- Common varieties: Live Oak, Red Oak, White Oak, Post Oak
Pecan Trees:
- Season: February through May
- A Texas native, it’s widespread in Houston’s urban and suburban landscapes
- You don’t have to be allergic to nuts to have a reaction to pecan pollen.
Elm Trees:
- Season: Early Spring
- Contributes significantly to seasonal allergies
- Releases pollen before leaves fully develop
Summer Plant Allergens
Allergic symptoms happening in Summer are likely from grass pollen, when unkempt lawns go to seed. Types of grasses that contribute to allergic reactions include:
Bermuda Grass:
- Primary grass allergen in Houston
- Peak season: Late spring through early fall
- Extremely common in lawns, parks, and sports fields
Johnson Grass:
- Invasive species widespread in Texas
- High pollen production from June to September
- Grows rapidly in disturbed areas and vacant lots
St. Augustine Grass:
- Common in Houston residential landscapes
- Less allergenic than Bermuda, but still a contributor
- Season overlaps with Bermuda grass
Fall Plant Allergens
Autumn is when the weeds start shedding, and late Fall is also the start of “cedar fever” season which often causes severe allergic symptoms. If you have itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose in fall and winter, don’t automatically think it’s just a cold. Seeing an allergist can bring relief if your symptoms are due to:
Ragweed:
- Absolute top weed allergen
- Peak season: August through November
- A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains
Pigweed (Amaranth):
- Prevalent in urban and rural areas
- Late summer to fall season
- Thrives in disturbed soils
Cedar (Juniper) Trees:
- Peak season: Winter to early spring
- Produces intense, powdery pollen
- Often called “Cedar Fever” due to severe allergic reactions
Understanding Pollen Allergies and How It Affects Your Body
Pollen can cause allergic reactions and inflammation throughout your entire body, but usually the worst symptoms are related to the face and lungs as you breathe it in.
Sinus Impact
Allergies can significantly affect your sinuses by triggering inflammation of sinus passages and causing excess mucus production. Sometimes this can develop into sinus infections when mucus becomes trapped
Many patients experience sinus pressure and pain, including headaches, feeling “stuffed up”, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Asthma Connection
For those with asthma, pollen can be a serious trigger as particles can reach the lungs and trigger bronchial inflammation, narrowing airways. Other symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing which may lead to asthma attacks requiring medication or emergency care.
Even if you’ve never had asthma, severe or untreated allergies can sometimes develop into asthma over time.
Managing Pollen Allergies in Houston
Monitor Pollen Counts
Check daily air quality forecasts on weather apps or websites. The Houston Health Department releases daily reports of pollen and mold counts, for example, and many weather apps also include this information based on your location.
Be aware how weather can affect airborne particles as well. Windy days can bring additional pollen from surrounding areas, or whip dust into the air too, making breathing more difficult.
Once you know your daily risk, you can decide what actions to take to relieve symptoms.
Reduce Exposure
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
- Use air conditioning with HEPA filters in your home and car
- Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors
- Consider wearing a mask for yard work or outdoor activities
- Avoid drying clothes outside on clotheslines
Treatment Options
- Over-the-counter remedies: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops.
- Prescription medications: Stronger antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers can be powerful tools to get allergic reactions and inflammation under control and bring relief.
- Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or drops to build tolerance and reduce the need for future medications.
- Sinus rinses: Saline irrigation to flush nasal passages, reducing irritation.
When to See an Allergist:
Make an appointment if you experience:
- Allergy symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks
- Allergy Symptoms that significantly impact your daily life
- Allergies that worsen your asthma symptoms
- Limited relief from over-the-counter medications
Remember, pollen allergies might be a part of Houston life, but they don’t have to control your enjoyment of the Bayou City. At Allergy and ENT Associates, we’re committed to helping you find personalized solutions that work with your lifestyle. Whether you’re planning to cheer on the Astros, enjoy the azaleas at Hermann Park, or simply want to barbecue in your backyard without sneezing attacks, we’re here to help you breathe easier and live better while enjoying everything Houston has to offer.