Houston residents are bracing themselves for another challenging allergy season, as tree pollen counts spike across the city. According to the latest figures from the Houston Chronicle, tree pollen reached heavy levels with a 1,401 count per cubic meter on March 7. With cedar season on its wane, Houstonians are now being bombarded by ash, birch, and oak pollens.
It's a pattern seen every year where the transition to warmer springtime weather fosters this pollen proliferation. Justin Ballard, the Houston Chronicle's meteorologist, explained the dynamic at play, saying, "Warm temperatures accelerate the release of pollen, while windy conditions can disperse pollen over larger areas." February ended with tree pollens like ash, elm, and oak starting their seasonal surge, a trend that seems have gotten an early head start, as noted by KIAH. Yet, in a surprising twist compared to last year's severer season, this March has yet to consistently match the previously recorded average of 2,780.8, topping it only once.
For those wanting to dodge the worst of the allergens, Dr. Dyuen Nguyen of Memorial Hermann Hospital offers a solution that is easier said than done: avoid pollen as much as possible. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Nguyen suggested that mornings can be a safer bet for outdoor activities due to cooler temperatures and morning dew that tend to limit pollen's spread.
As Houston's citizens face off with these allergens, car owners are advised to regularly wash their vehicles to remove pollen, a known irritant to car paint. According to Advanced Auto Parts and NAPA, not only does washing prevent potential damage, but waxing can also serve as a protective barrier against the elements, although, NAPA suggests abstaining from waxing amidst airborne pollen. While allergies are in full swing, differentiating between them and infections can be confusing. "Usually when you have an allergy, you itch," Nguyen told the Houston Chronicle, helping differentiate the two based on symptoms like fever and body aches which are indicative of infections, as opposed to the itchy sensations often associated with allergies.
Houston's standing as an allergy hotbed is well-established; the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2023 report ranked the city as the 12th most challenging in the country for sufferers. This year’s spring allergy season continues to validate that reputation with the sheer variety and volume of pollen in the air, even if the intensity has seen a relative decrease compared to the previous year.
