When Do Spring Allergies End for Seniors in Texas?
When do spring allergies end in North Texas? Allergies are one of the main threats to senior wellness in springtime, and they can last until May. Symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
Seasonal allergy relief for older adults includes medication like antihistamines and corticosteroids, allergy shots, and lifestyle changes like a better cleaning routine and using an air purifier.
North Texas can be a difficult area for people with seasonal allergies. In a list of the 100 largest cities in the U.S., the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks Dallas the 13th worst for allergies.
A warm climate and many types of trees, bushes, and flowers with overlapping growing seasons make for high allergy triggers almost year-round. Windy spring and fall weather also contribute to the spread of allergens. In addition, humidity makes the perfect environment for mold and dust mites.
You can enjoy spring again by finding the right combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
When Do Spring Allergies End in North Texas?
Spring allergies in North Texas usually start in February and end in May. Allergy season can start even earlier if the winter is mild. The main pollen sources are:
- Trees, including ash, cedar, cottonwood, elm, oak, and pecan
- Grass, including Bermuda and rye
- Mold
The spring allergy timeline for seniors typically peaks in April and May because pollen gradually increases as the season progresses. Then summer allergies start in June with weeds and grasses.
Allergy Symptoms in the Spring in Texas
Spring allergy symptoms start during cold and flu season, so you may think you're sick at first. Allergy symptoms in North Texas include:
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Throat irritation
- Fatigue or generally feeling unwell
These symptoms are similar to summer and fall allergies.
What Is the Best Allergy Relief for Seniors?
Older adults have several options for allergy relief so you can stay active throughout the spring in Flower Mound. Many allergy medicines are available without a prescription, although talking to your doctor first is a good idea, especially if you take other medications.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block cells in the body from receiving histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are available as pills, liquid, nasal spray, and eye drops.
Seniors should try to use second-generation antihistamines, like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine, because they're less likely to cause drowsiness. Formulas that make you sleepy can cause confusion or a fall. Avoid "D" formulas like Claritin-D if you have issues with high blood pressure because these types of antihistamines can raise your blood pressure.
Nasal sprays can be effective at relieving symptoms when used correctly. The key is to spray straight back into each nostril and let the medication sit. Try to avoid inhaling while spraying or you'll swallow the medicine, which tastes bad and prevents the spray from working properly.
Eye drops can help relieve itchy eyes faster than general antihistamines. If they cause dry eyes, your doctor may recommend using artificial tear eye drops before the medicated ones.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Nasal sprays are the most common form of corticosteroid for relieving spring allergy symptoms. They relieve and prevent nasal allergy symptoms with relatively mild side effects.
Corticosteroid eye drops or pills are only used when other treatments haven't worked. They're very effective, but they have the risk of serious side effects. Steroid eye drops can cause cataracts and glaucoma while pills can cause osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, and high blood sugar.
Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergy shots are the most common type of allergen immunotherapy. They contain small amounts of allergen to help desensitize your body and minimize allergy symptoms.
Most people start with shots once or twice a week for six to ten months. The amount of allergen in the shots gradually increases. After this buildup phase, you only need shots once a month or so.
Allergy shots can be a good option for seniors because they reduce the need for medication. Talking with your healthcare provider about your preexisting medical conditions and whether you have a history of severe allergic reactions can help you avoid any serious side effects from the shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Air Purifiers Help with Allergies?
Yes, air purifiers with a HEPA filter can remove allergens from your indoor air. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter should be able to remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, and other particles 0.3 microns or larger. The air purifier's clean air delivery rate (CADR) will tell you if it's large enough for the room.
If your home has a central HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, you can improve the air quality by choosing filters with a high MERV rating. A MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 11 to 13 will trap small particles like pollen and mold.
How to Deep Clean a House for Allergies?
You can reduce allergens indoors with a thorough cleaning routine. Vacuuming at least once a week helps remove allergens. Be sure to use a high-quality vacuum or you could be blowing dust back into the air.
Mop the kitchen floor and other hard flooring weekly. Wipe all kitchen surfaces with a cleaning solution. You can clean mold and condensation with a bleach solution.
A damp cloth will trap and remove dust from surfaces better than a dry one.
Enjoy Active Living this Spring in Flower Mound, TX
You're just one of many allergy sufferers in North Texas who wonder, when do spring allergies end? The spring allergy season typically ends in May, and you have several options for treating symptoms and reducing allergens in your living environment until then.
Seasonal allergy relief for older adults includes medication like antihistamines and corticosteroids as well as immunotherapy. Using an air purifier and keeping your home clean can lower the amount of allergens that you breathe.
At Pinewood Hills, you don't need to worry about cleaning. Housekeeping, maintenance, and linen service are included for residents of our independent living community. Our convenient Flower Mound location makes getting to medical appointments easy, whether you need to see your primary care doctor or an allergy specialist.
Schedule a tour of Pinewood Hills today to see how spring can be more enjoyable with us.