How to manage spring allergies in El Paso amid dusty winds

Natassia Paloma
·2 min read

El Paso is seeing its share of strong winds kicking up dust this spring, aggravating allergies, causing itchy eyes and runny noses.

These symptoms are felt by millions. To be exact, more than 100 million people in the U.S. experience various types of allergies each year, and there is no cure, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Also, those suffering from allergies may feel symptoms getting worse and lasting longer. Recent research shows pollen seasons start 20 days earlier, are 10 days longer, and feature 21% more pollen than in 1990, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

However, allergies can be managed.

Board Certified Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Adrian Casillas with the Hospitals of Providence explains what causes allergies and what to do to get some relief:

Dr. Adrian Casillas, board certified allergist and immunologist with the Hospitals of Providence.
Dr. Adrian Casillas, board certified allergist and immunologist with the Hospitals of Providence.

When does allergy season end?

Allergy season is year-round depending on what someone is allergic to. During the spring, allergy season can begin as early as February and go until early summer. Allergy season is becoming longer because of changes in climate.

More: 3 beautiful hikes to try this spring in El Paso’s Franklin Mountains

Can allergies cause coughing?

Yes, allergies can cause coughing, along with a sore throat if there’s enough irritation from post-nasal drip.

Hay fever symptoms:

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, itchy skin and fatigue.

Unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful

What allergies are high right now?

Pollen breakdown: Here is the 3-day outlook for the worst offenders in El Paso, according to the Weather Channel. (as of Tuesday, April 23.)

Tree pollen

  • Today: Moderate

  • Tomorrow: Moderate

  • Thursday: Moderate

Grass pollen

  • Today: Very High

  • Tomorrow: Very High

  • Thursday: Very High

Ragweed pollen

  • Today: None

  • Tomorrow: None

  • Thursday: None

In the spring, there is a significant rise in allergies as the trees begin to produce pollen. Here in El Paso this is also a particularly windy time, so all that pollen blows and is in the air, which can really aggravate people’s allergies.

Natural remedies for allergies:

Saline rinses can flush the nasal cavity, along with using over the counter antihistamines.  Also, avoiding being outside on windy days, as well as using a mask outdoors if it is windy.

Allergies vs. COVID/flu

COVID-19 and the flu can both cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, which generally, unless someone suffers from asthma allergies will not cause that.  COVID and the flu can also cause fever and muscle aches, which allergies do not.

What to do if you suffer from allergies

It is best to see a board-certified allergist/immunologist to find out exactly what is causing allergies and create a treatment plan to target that specific allergy.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: How to manage spring allergies in El Paso