When most people in Houston think about allergies, spring pollen usually comes to mind. But every fall, ragweed pollen sweeps through Southeast Texas, triggering sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes for thousands of residents. For many, ragweed season can feel just as bad—or worse—than springtime allergies.
When Does Ragweed Season Start in Houston?
In Houston, ragweed typically begins releasing pollen in late August and continues until the first major cold front. Because our area often stays warm well into November or even December, ragweed season here can last longer than in other parts of the country. That means Houstonians may deal with weeks of uncomfortable symptoms. Sadly, the allergies may not stop with the first cold front thanks to cedar fever.
Why Ragweed Is So Problematic
Each ragweed plant can release up to a billion pollen grains, which are lightweight enough to travel miles on the wind. Even if you don’t see ragweed growing nearby, its pollen can still reach you. Houston’s humid climate and extended warm season create ideal conditions for ragweed growth, making it a consistent fall allergy trigger.
Common Ragweed Allergy Symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Sneezing fits
- Postnasal drip and throat irritation
- Worsening of asthma symptoms such as coughing or wheezing
These symptoms often overlap with colds, but the persistence of symptoms over weeks is a clue that ragweed may be the culprit.
How to Manage Ragweed Allergies in Houston
- Check pollen forecasts daily. Ragweed counts are highest in the morning and on windy days.
- Limit exposure. Keep windows closed at home and in the car, and change clothes after being outdoors.
- Improve indoor air quality. HEPA air filters can reduce allergens that make their way inside.
- Try saline rinses. Clearing pollen from nasal passages helps reduce irritation.
- Seek professional care. Allergy testing and treatments such as immunotherapy can provide long-term relief.
How an Allergist Can Help with Ragweed Allergies
If ragweed symptoms are interfering with your daily life, seeing a board-certified allergist can make a big difference. An allergist can perform allergy testing to confirm whether ragweed is the cause of your symptoms or if other allergens are also playing a role. From there, they can design a personalized treatment plan that may include prescription medications, targeted allergy management strategies, or long-term options like allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops). Immunotherapy works by training your immune system to become less sensitive to ragweed pollen, offering lasting relief instead of just temporary symptom control.
The Houston Takeaway
For Houstonians, ragweed season is more than a passing nuisance, it’s a recurring health challenge that lasts for months. At Allergy & ENT Associates, we understand how disruptive ragweed can be to daily life. If you find yourself battling congestion, itchy eyes, or worsening asthma each fall, our team can help identify triggers and create a treatment plan designed for lasting relief.