Residents of Corpus Christi love our oceanside city for so many reasons. From a thriving downtown district to the Gulf breeze and beautiful coastal landscape, it’s no wonder the population of the Sparkling City by the Sea is experiencing extraordinary growth. While seaside living can result in decreased seasonal allergies as compared to inland locations (thanks, ocean breeze!), our residents – both new and seasoned – may still battle airborne allergens that can diminish their quality of life.
The new growth and promise of spring bring tree pollen counts that peak in March and April but can linger through late May. The trees that most affect our area include oak, hackberry, and ash. Live oak pollen is especially visible and problematic during this time, as it can coat cars, pets, sidewalks, and backyard grills in a fine yellow powder. Warm, dry, and windy conditions helps spread any pollen that has been released into the air.
Another change in season brings a change in allergy triggers. Early summer welcomes grass pollen to the forefront of the allergy forecast. Frequent lawn mowing churns everything up and throws the pollen and even dust into the air as well.
Fall finds the kids going back to school, the start of football season, and relief that the dog days of summer are over. Many people take advantage of the dip in temperatures by heading outdoors to take advantage of all the Coastal Bend has to offer. Unfortunately, weed pollens also like to come out and play in the fall. Ragweed is the worst offender. It can grow taller than a person and produces a ton of potent pollen. Weed pollen usually peaks in October and begins to lessen in November.
Living in Corpus Christi does not doom you to suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) forever! If you find yourself experiencing persistent allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and congestion around the same time(s) each year for weeks or even months at a time, you may be one of the many Texans battling seasonal allergies. Corpus Christi Allergy Associates will guide you through the process of identifying your allergy triggers. Based on your allergens and symptoms, an individualized treatment plan will address your needs. Medication can work wonders in some patients. Others select traditional immunotherapy (allergy drops) or cluster immunotherapy (allergy shots), which builds up your body’s immunity to an allergen over time. Come in to see us before your allergy symptoms start for the season so we can help you win the allergy battle!