Texas’ climate is a big part of why so many people love to live here. That same climate makes Texas a big state for allergies as well. Know how to live free from allergy symptoms in your Texas home.

Allergy symptoms such as “hay fever”- runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, sore throat, hoarseness, ear blockage, or itchy/watery eyes are what we feel when our bodies respond to things in the environment called allergens.

More severe responses are skin reactions, asthma attacks, tongue swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Allergens can cause problems year-round or just for a season. Year-round allergens are called perennial allergens and seasonal allergies vary throughout the year.

Perennial allergens include house dust, pet dander and cockroaches.

Seasonal allergies normally worsen during periods of plant pollination.

Trees pollinate during the spring. Grasses pollinate throughout the summer and weeds into the fall.

Because of the warm climate in Texas, the growing season is longer here than in cooler parts of the country. Texas trees have fairly short periods of pollination. Grasses and weeds pollinate the majority of the spring, summer and fall.

Fight against allergy symptoms:

• Identify specific allergens that bring on symptoms

• Avoid situations that expose you to these allergens

• For pollens, limit time out of doors

• Keep windows shut during the growing season

For perennial indoor allergens, consider the following to decrease them in your home: Use a HEPA filter in your HVAC system

For house dust and dust mite allergies, wash sheets in hot water weekly.

Dust regularly with a moist cloth, regularly wash curtains and clean carpets will decrease the amount of allergens in the house.

Decrease pet dander and establish a bedroom as a “pet free zone,” remove dander from the bedclothes and carpet in the bedroom, regularly wash and shampoo pets.

To combat molds, make sure that all plumbing and roofing is maintained and free of leaks.

Keep bathrooms and attics well ventilated and avoiding the out of doors in the evening may protect against symptoms.

Cockroaches can cause significant allergies. The cockroach allergen is contained in the bodies of dead cockroaches. Remove all cockroaches dead or alive.

If allergy symptoms continue, despite avoidance measures, other options for treatment is medication. Medications are available either over-the-counter or by prescription.

If you feel that your symptoms are not controlled as well as you would like using avoidance techniques and medication, consider a visit to an allergist or and ear, nose and throat doctor.

For more information on injury prevention please call the A Su Salud office at the University Health System – Downtown at 358-3247.