Sneezin' season: Fall allergies in Central Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As fall arrives in Central Texas, residents are bracing for the onset of seasonal allergens, with ragweed and fall elm leading the charge.

Dr. John Villacis, an allergist at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, explains that ragweed levels are on the rise, making it a significant concern for allergy sufferers.

"Ragweed is a big fall allergen," said Dr. Villacis. "We're seeing some levels of it already, and it usually spikes by probably the first week or two of October."

Dr. Villacis notes that pollen counts are generally higher at the start of the day, which can affect morning walkers and joggers with sensitivity to allergens.

"Pollination tends to be highest in the early morning hours," he said, advising people to plan their activities accordingly.

Cold fronts, which are common as fall progresses, can exacerbate pollen levels as winds usually shift and pick up as they pass through.

"Cold fronts really do kind of shake the trees," Dr. Villacis explained, noting that they can increase pollen dispersion.

Dr. Villacis recommends starting allergy medications early for maximum effect.

"For ragweed season, if you haven't started your nasal spray and your oral antihistamine, now is the time to do it," he advised.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about pollen levels and take preventive measures to manage their allergies effectively. For more information on what pollen levels are and which allergens are in the air, visit the KXAN pollen count page.

All facts from this article were gathered by KXAN journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI tools.