In this time of crisis, many of us are staying home in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but, unfortunately, this year’s allergy season isn’t going to be any lighter than usual, especially in the Rio Grande Valley.
Fortunately, if you or a loved one are an allergy sufferer, our certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and the caring team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group in McAllen can help in person or via our telemedicine services for your safety. Below you will find the different types of allergies that are most prominent in the Rio Grande Valley, their symptoms, and solutions we can provide.
Allergy Types: Pollen in the Lead
Pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander are all common allergens, but the most common cause of spring allergies in Texas is:
- Pollen from plants (especially mesquite and huisache trees)
- Bermuda and johnson grasses
- Some mount cedar trees.
The dry weather can only add to your sniffles as well. McAllen merely gets just about 26 inches of rain every year, which doesn’t help much to get rid of the pollen. Pollen counts are also predicted to rise over time. In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), pollen counts are anticipated to more than double by 2040.
In addition, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases a Spring Allergy Capitals report each year ranking hot spots for allergies across the U.S. In 2016 McAllen fell in fifth place among the 12 worst cities for allergies on the rise, with the prevalence of pollen and widespread use of allergy medication surpassing the average.
Common Allergy Symptoms
If you have a pollen allergy and are breathing in pollen-heavy air, you may encounter a variety of allergy symptoms. If you have asthma, pollen can also aggravate the symptoms associated with that health issue, making the coughing and wheezing more extreme. Common allergic reactions to pollen and other seasonal allergens include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Itchy throat and eyes
- Wheezing
What Are Your Treatment Options?
There are many ways to manage allergy symptoms, from decongestants for running noses and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines for itchy, watery eyes or a runny nose. Your ENT doctor may also recommend immunotherapy shots or tablets if your pollen allergies are severe.
The shots are designed to build up the body’s resistance to pollen, while the tablets help for those suffering from grass and ragweed allergies. Aside from this kind of treatment, another option is a procedure done in our very own office called balloon sinuplasty. The minimally invasive operation helps to open up blocked or overly narrow passageways and drain out your sinuses more effectively before infection sets in.
Be Proactive: You’ll be Glatz You Did!
You can rest assured knowing that at Glatz, you are in good hands. It’s always best to take care of your health concerns before they have a chance to worsen over time. Your ear, nose, and throat health is important, and putting off taking care of problems in this area can be risky.
For us, the health of our patients is our number one concern. During this pandemic, we will be taking all available precautions to keep our staff and our visitors safe and healthy. While we are still seeing patients in person, wee are also here to help you and your loved ones find a way to receive relief from your allergy and sinus concerns in the midst of the shelter-in-place.
We are taking advantage of telemedicine, where our remote services will be able to address 90 to 95 percent of all allergy symptoms. Give us a call to see if we can find a solution remotely for your problem. Online consultations can also be set up so your needs can be met from the comfort and safety of your home. If you’re in need of balloon sinuplasty or an in-person examination, we may also schedule you for an in-house procedure as soon as we can.