Central Texas residents are bracing for a new allergy wave as the ragweed season ends and mountain cedar pollen begins to rise in late December.
The Transition to Mountain Cedar
The region has largely finished dealing with ragweed allergies, but a new threat is on the horizon. According to Dr. John Villacis, an allergist at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, Central Texas is currently in a transitional period between allergy seasons. Mountain cedar season typically begins around the third or fourth week of December.
Managing Dry Air and Nosebleeds
Dry air can turn a mild allergy flare into a more serious problem. Dr. Villacis emphasized the importance of managing this dryness to avoid nosebleeds. He recommends the use of saline nasal sprays, especially nasal gels that can be purchased over the counter. “What I recommend usually is the use of like a simple salt water nasal spray, especially something like nasal gel you can get this over the counter almost anywhere where they sell allergy meds and a couple of squirts throughout the day especially at night is really helpful to keeping those nasal passages moistened and therefore they don’t crack and they’re less prone to bleeding,” he said.
Recognizing Allergy Symptoms
As families prepare for outdoor winter activities, distinguishing between regular cold symptoms and allergies can be particularly challenging. Dr. Villacis advised parents to watch for classic allergy symptoms and consult weather reports or an allergist for further guidance on testing for allergies. “Right now, the classic symptoms that I tell patients and parents about regarding allergy is the four dwarves of allergy. It’s itchy, runny, drippy, sneezy,” he explained.
Why Seasons Differ
People often wonder why they suffer from allergies in one season but not another. Dr. Villacis noted, “It really depends on the environment as there’s a lot of variables involved.” Factors such as exposure to allergens and varying pollen levels can influence the experience of allergies from year to year.
Preparing for Winter Activities
With Central Texas moving deeper into the winter season, residents are encouraged to monitor pollen levels and adjust their allergy management strategies accordingly as mountain cedar season approaches. Staying informed about local pollen forecasts can help families make better decisions about outdoor plans and indoor air quality.
Key Takeaways
- Mountain cedar pollen starts in late December, following the end of ragweed season.
- Saline nasal sprays and nasal gels can reduce nosebleeds caused by dry air.
- Classic allergy symptoms include itchiness, runny nose, drippy eyes, and sneezing.
The transition to mountain cedar season reminds residents that allergy management is an ongoing process. By staying aware of changing pollen patterns and using simple home remedies, many can keep symptoms under control and enjoy winter activities with fewer interruptions.
