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When Do Spring Allergies End for Seniors in North Texas?

Written By: Morada Pantego
When Do Spring Allergies End for Seniors in North Texas?

The allergens present in North Texas are tree, grass, ragweed, and weed pollen. But when do spring allergies end for seniors in North Texas? Typically, they should end in May.

The CDC reports that in 2024, 31.7% of adults had a diagnosed seasonal allergy. In addition, the percentage of adults with a diagnosed seasonal allergy was higher among those living in nonmetropolitan areas.

Pantego, TX, may be part of a metropolitan area, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you're in the clear. In fact, many residents here still suffer from allergies, including you.

Regarding the Pantego, TX allergy season for seniors, when do spring allergies end in North Texas? By knowing the answer, you'll be better able to combat pesky symptoms.

What Allergens Are High in North Texas?

Allergies can make independent living activities difficult to do, especially if they're outdoors. But with a little seasonal allergy awareness in TX, you can make the most out of each season.

Here are the allergies that are high in North Texas, which is helpful regarding the Tarrant County pollen timeline for retirees.

Tree Pollen

You'll find tree pollen mostly in late winter to spring. It's one of the earliest and strongest seasonal allergies. Common culprits include:

  • Oak
  • Elm
  • Pecan
  • Cedar
  • Ash trees

Unfortunately, on warm and windy days, fine yellow-green pollen can easily travel through the air. In turn, this can trigger:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Sinus pressure
  • Postnasal drip

This allergy can be particularly annoying if you already have to deal with asthma or chronic sinus issues. Symptoms may feel worse in the morning when pollen counts are highest.

The best ways to reduce exposure during peak tree pollen season are to:

  • Keep windows closed
  • Shower after outdoor activities
  • Use high-efficiency air filters indoors

Grass Pollen

Grass pollen will hit late spring to early summer. The common triggers are:

The downside is that grass is used all throughout communities, in the residential neighborhoods, parks, and open fields. And because grass pollen often takes up spring tree pollen's spot, it can feel like one endless allergy season.

You should note that grass pollen levels tend to spike in the late afternoon and early evening. They'll also be particularly high after mowing or on windy days.

Symptoms of allergies include:

  • Congestion
  • Watery eyes
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue

To manage these symptoms, you should:

  • Wear sunglasses outdoors
  • Avoid freshly cut lawns
  • Check daily pollen forecasts

Ragweed and Weed Pollen

Ragweed and weed pollen peak in the late summer to fall. Typically, it thrives during warm days and cool nights, so outdoor activities in early fall can be challenging to manage. For this reason, you may want to stick to indoor alternatives, such as indoor walking.

Symptoms of this type of allergy are:

  • Intense sneezing
  • Itchy throat
  • Sinus congestion

If your symptoms are unmanaged, then they can be so bad that they disturb your sleep and worsen respiratory conditions. To keep them at a minimum, in addition to staying indoors during high-pollen mornings, you should use air conditioning and consult your doctor about appropriate medications to help manage your allergies.

When Do Spring Allergies End for Seniors in North Texas?

In North Texas, the spring allergy season usually runs from late February through May. Typically, tree pollen peaks in March and April, but the levels will decline by late May or early June. However, during this period, grass pollen will become more prominent, especially as you head into summer.

Spring allergies can feel prolonged, though, as different plants pollinate in waves. Also, weather patterns can play a role; rain can temporarily lower pollen counts, while warm, dry, and windy conditions increase them. You should keep your windows closed during high-pollen days and use air conditioning with clean filters to minimize exposure.

If you have allergy symptoms beyond early summer, then it may be something else, such as mold spores or indoor allergens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Month Is Ragweed the Highest?

Ragweed pollen typically peaks in September, but the season often begins in mid-to-late August. Plus, it can last until the first hard frost, which is usually in late October or November.

It's important to know that ragweed thrives in warm days and cool nights, and these are common in early fall throughout the region. Also, on dry and windy days, the pollen levels can spike significantly, and you may experience:

  • Sneezing
  • Congestion
  • Itchy eyes
  • Sinus pressure

Do note that since pollen can travel hundreds of miles, you might experience symptoms even if you don't see ragweed growing nearby.

Do Seasonal Allergies Get Worse With Age?

Seasonal allergies don't always get worse with age, but they can. This is because, as we age, the immune system changes, and our bodies may respond differently to allergens. In addition, you're more likely to have other conditions that can amplify allergy symptoms, like asthma, sinus issues, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The medications you take can also affect your allergies. Certain prescriptions can dry out your nasal passage or interact with common allergy treatments.

What's the Best Antihistamine for Ragweed?

The best antihistamine for ragweed depends on your health history and symptom severity. But for many seniors, second-generation antihistamines are preferred. This includes:

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)

These cause less drowsiness than older options, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Some older adults like to use a combination of oral antihistamines with a steroid nasal spray (like fluticasone). But before you do the same, you should check with your doctor.

Manage Your Allergy Symptoms Effectively

So when do spring allergies end for seniors in North Texas? You can expect them to end in May, although they can trail into summer if the symptoms aren't caused by pollen and ragweed.

In the meantime, you can combat the symptoms with good spring respiratory planning for older adults in Texas. Take antihistamines, stay indoors with the windows shut during peak pollen times, and do smart outdoor scheduling for seniors in Pantego. All of these actions can help you stay more comfortable, even when pollen levels are high.

At Morada Pantego, we have a general store on the premises so that our residents can get what they need conveniently. Get in touch with us today to book a tour at a senior living community in Pantego, TX.

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