Tips for Managing Summertime Allergies

Summer in Dallas usually means more than just sweltering heat; it also brings a surge of allergens that can turn a leisurely afternoon in the park into a wheezy, red-eyed nightmare. For many Texans, the seasonal shift marks the onset of a heated battle against an army of substances floating in the air.

In fact, Dallas is one of the allergy capitals of the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 

Whether it’s the plentiful pollen of the Southwest, the unpredictable winds stirring up dust mites, or the airborne irritants that seem to materialize out of a seemingly clear sky, understanding and managing your summertime allergies is the only way to survive.

Fortunately, we can help.

Dr. Asif Aziz and our Prestige Primary Care team offer allergy testing to zero in on the culprit behind your reactions and treatments that address the underlying cause. Here’s what you need to know. 

Something’s in the air

For allergy sufferers, knowing your enemy is half the battle. Every city has a unique climate and regional plant life, and Dallas is no different. In a city known for its charming tree canopy and flora that flourish in the sun, it’s no wonder the air is packed with potential allergens. 

However, there’s a silver lining — knowing what lives and grows in Dallas enables you to plan and arm yourself against these triggers.

Dallas pollen seasons

Dallas is home to all kinds of allergens, mainly:

Tree pollen: begins in February, reaches its peak severity through April, and continues to affect the area until June. 

Grass pollen: runs from March to September.

Ragweed pollen: high from August to November. 

Mountain cedar pollen: runs between December and February. 

Mold spores: While mold spores are a year-round concern, they peak in July. 

Indoor culprits: can pose a significant threat in the form of pet dander, household pests, and unseen mold spores that lurk in damp corners. 

Tips for managing Dallas allergies

Here’s how allergy-savvy people minimize their symptoms:

Check pollen levels

Access local weather updates or use an app to monitor daily pollen counts. Time your outdoor activities to minimize exposure.

Invest in air purification

Equip your home with quality air purifiers to capture and remove allergens such as pollen and mold spores. 

Seal out allergens

To prevent the intrusion of outdoor allergens, especially during high pollen seasons, keep windows and doors shut and change your air conditioning filters frequently.

Clean your house

Regular thorough house cleaning reduces allergen build-up. Focus on carpets, curtains, and bedding prone to collecting dust mites and pollen.

Get out your old mask

If you must venture outdoors during a high-pollen day, you might need to pull out your old COVID face masks. 

Hydrate

Drinking ample water alleviates some allergy symptoms by flushing irritants from your body and thinning mucus.

Allergy-proof your sleep area

Transform your bedroom into an allergy-safe zone with hypoallergenic bedding and frequent laundering of sheets in hot water to kill off dust mites and remove accumulated allergens.

Check your yard

When planning your garden or yard, select plants that produce minimal pollen.

Purify your pets

Regular grooming and designated pet areas keep pet dander confined and controlled. Employing air purifiers can also curtail pet-related allergens.

Allergy testing and treatments

Navigating allergies begins with pinpointing your personal allergens through rigorous allergy testing at Prestige Primary Care. 

We offer skin allergy tests for immediate detection and blood allergy tests for a comprehensive immune response analysis. 

Our arsenal includes medications for symptom relief, nasal rinses for direct allergen removal, and innovative options like allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term desensitization. 

For those facing severe reactions, the epinephrine pen or “Epipen®” is an indispensable safeguard against anaphylaxis, ensuring quick, effective action in critical moments. 

Don’t suffer through summer — call Prestige Primary Care, or book an appointment online to get tested for allergies and start a treatment that will see you through the seasons.