Houston is an ‘allergy capital,’ UTMB allergist offers survival tips

If you cough, sneeze, or have itchy, watery eyes, at certain times of the year, then you probably have seasonal allergies. In the Houston area, they're caused mainly by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. Because the blooming season in Houston is so long, those with multiple allergies can suffer all year, adding drainage, congestion, sinus infections, and sore throats to the list of allergy miseries. Pollen from oak trees is a major contributor to allergy symptoms in Houston, and it's one reason why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation found that Houston ranks 12th on the list of "allergy capitals."

UTMB Associate Professor of Internal Medicine Dr. Jennifer McCracken, who specializes in Allergy and Immunology, said that she sees patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, medication allergies, eczema, skin rashes, and recurring infections due to problems with immune systems.

"As a practitioner who's also a parent, I'm suffering along with my kids," she said. "Seasonal allergies affect people who are sensitive to pollens, and upon being exposed to them during different times of the year, they get symptoms like runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, an annoying post-nasal drip, or coughing."

Because different plants pollinate throughout the year, allergies can be a constant bother, particularly in the spring, when layers of yellow pollen settle on our cars.

Who is more susceptible to allergies?

• People aren't born with them, but they can be predisposed due to family history.
• Entire families can suffer from allergies.

What is allergy testing?

• Blood tests can indicate certain allergies.
• Skin pricking for 60 common environmental allergens. If the skin reacts within 15 minutes, then an allergy is present.

"Skin prick testing is perhaps a bit more clinically relevant," Dr. McCracken said. "That means, if the testing is positive, that allergen is more likely causing some of the symptoms. We test for common indoor and outdoor allergens, including trees, dogs, cats, dust mites, cockroaches, and grass. If you're on an allergy medication and you're getting a skin prick, you must stop that for the test. If you're unable to stop the medication, that's when we do the blood test."

What are the best treatments?

• Over-the-counter nasal steroids and oral antihistamines work well.
• Primary care physicians can prescribe medications.
• See an allergist if those options are not helping.

More advice from the doctor:

• There is no quick fix for seasonal allergies. Be consistent and patient with medications.
• Allergy shots can work for people who do not tolerate medications or are looking for a long-term solution.
• For nasal sprays, the way you hold the bottle can make the difference. Do not spray straight up. Point the nozzle toward the ear, and sniff gently. She demonstrates in this video.
• Not everything that makes you sniffle or sneeze is a result of an allergy. There are irritants in the air that cause those symptoms without being an actual allergy.
• Avoid what you're allergic to. Check pollen counts, and keep windows closed.
• Shower and change clothes often and stay in air conditioning as much as possible.

"Most children don't show signs of allergies before the age of 2, so the runny noses that happen for the first two years are likely not due to allergies," Dr. McCracken explained. "After that, treatments for children do not differ much from treatments for adults. It's a struggle to get small children to sit still for a nasal spray, but it will help."

There's no need to suffer through a never-ending Houston allergy season. "Take heart, there are solutions, and there are great medications and specialists," she said. "If you're struggling and looking for solutions, please find us. We see patients dealing with this every day, and it affects your quality of life. Intervention can make a huge difference, and we are here to help."