Itching, sneezing, or trouble breathing because of allergies? It’s more common than you may think. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans experience different types of allergies each year. As one of the most common chronic diseases, an allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. Common allergy symptoms consist of:
- Sneezing, and an itchy, runny, or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- A raised, itchy, or red rash (hives) on the skin
- Stomach pain or digestion irritation
Common Allergens
An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Medications
- Animal Dander
- Food
- Latex
- Insect Bites/Stings
Environmental & Seasonal Allergies in Houston, Texas
Seasonal allergies are caused by a variety of environmental allergens, most commonly pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Houston’s unique climate allows for seasonal allergies all year long. Some of the common environmental allergens include pollen from:
- Trees (Oak, Ashbury, Hackberry, & Pine)
- Grasses (Timothy, Bermuda, Bahia, etc.)
- Weeds (Ragweed, Nettle, Mugwort, etc.)
Learn more about pollen in Houston here.
Anaphylaxis
Some people experience a more severe allergic reaction when exposed to an allergen called anaphylaxis. Signs include:
- Whole-body rash
- Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a cough
- Swollen lips, tongue, eyes, or face
- Vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fainting
- Loss of smell
Allergy Treatment
Our board-certified allergists can provide testing and an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific allergy needs. Book an appointment online or call our office at 713-661-1444 to get started on relieving your allergy symptoms!