Story Created:
Sep 1, 2009 at 10:49 AM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 1, 2009 at 11:19 AM CST
Texoma is right in the middle of Tulsa, Oklahoma City and San Antonio. All three made the top 25 list of worst cities for fall allergies. Thanks to more humidity, higher temperatures and milder winters researchers are indicating this season could be the worst ever. Lindsey Rogers talked with a local allergist and has information that could help you beat the pesky fall pollens.
Fall means apple cider, back to school, the fresh smell of fallen leaves and the return of allergy season. About 10 to 20 percent of the public is allergic to ragweed, which is the most common culprit in fall seasonal allergies. Not only are researchers predicting this season will be the worst in years here in Texoma, studies are also finding ragweed season is lasting up to 15 days longer in some regions.
Fall allergy season usually kicks off around Labor day, But local allergiest Dr. Mac Fitzsimmons says he's already seeing patients with increased symptoms.
"Typically if we have a fairly warm and wet summer it starts a little earlier which typically describes this summer," he said.
People can develop allergies at any point in their lives. But if you know you have them, you don't have to wait until you start experiencing symptoms to seek treatment.
"It's probably better to get a head start on the season if possible. But even if we're well into the season it's not too late," Dr. Fitzsimmons said.
Sneezing, itchy nose, itchy watery eyes and drainage are usually symptoms of respiratory allergies, which are triggered by things like pollen. These are usually just major annoyances and can be treated with symptomatic medications.
"That includes antihistamine, decongestant, prescription nasal spray, allergy eye drops, inhalers. Things that suppress the symptoms. They don't fix the problem they make the symptom go away so the patient feels better," Dr. Fitzsimmons said.
But for those who have persistant symptoms more than a few weeks out of the year, Dr. Fitzsimmons reccommends the allergy shot.
"They actually build up your immune system so you can actually defend yourself against the things rather than rely on a pill," he said.
No matter what treatment is best for you, to avoid long waits and stop symptoms before they get out of control, Dr. Fitzsimmons urges allergy sufferers to act now.
There are some steps you can take to help prevent allergy symptoms: Avoid being outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. which are considered peak pollen hours. Also, keep windows closed during this time. Some find wearing a mask or even small scarf over your nose while doing yardwork helps and be sure to shower after spending time outdoors especially after doing yardwork as pollen collects on hair, skin and clothes.
Fall allergy season usually winds down after the last of the ragweed plants are killed off during the first frost.
