Valley residents may find themselves suffering from itchy, burning eyes or nasal congestion and with spring in full swing, the Allergy and Asthma Foundation has ranked McAllen the No. 1 most challenging city to live in with spring allergies.
Dr. John Paredes of UTRGV and Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) said in the past month he has seen an uptick of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, and expects to see more patients looking for relief from their allergies.
“This particularly is a challenging time for people suffering with allergies simply because this tends to be the worst season for them,” Paredes explained.
However, McAllen being ranked among the worst areas in the country for allergies is no surprise to Paredes as the city has a rich history in agriculture.
“There’s bound to be all kinds of pollens, trees and flowering plants,” said Paredes. “All of these go into the air and cause irritation.”
To prevent allergic reactions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise individuals to:
- Avoid contact with the allergen by being in an air-conditioned environment
- Eliminate dust mites from the home
- Take medication to counteract reactions
