SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio-area residents should prepare for rising ragweed pollen counts as the allergy season approaches following a rainy July and sunny August, with the season expected to peak in mid-September.
Ragweed season typically begins in late August and continues through mid-November. The plants can grow 3 to 10 feet tall and produce large amounts of pollen, with levels often highest during the early morning.
Dr. John Freiler, founder of Premier Allergy of Texas at Alamo Ranch, said residents can reduce their exposure by limiting time outdoors when pollen levels rise.
“Really limit outdoor time from the late morning through the afternoon because that’s when pollen counts tend to be their highest,” Freiler said.
He also recommended changing clothes and showering after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from the body.
Freiler said residents should monitor local pollen counts and consider staying indoors on days with high levels.
Common ragweed allergy symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes and a scratchy throat.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help manage symptoms, but Freiler said residents should see an allergist if medications do not provide relief, symptoms interfere with sleep, work or school, or allergies trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath.
Allergists can also offer longer-term treatments, including allergy shots and drops.
Ragweed pollen levels remained low in San Antonio during the second-to-last week of August, while mold, weed and grass pollen registered light to moderate levels.