Health care
BY HEATHER MCCULLOUGH
Internal medicine doctor discusses allergy symptoms, treatments As springtime pollen allergies approach, North Texas residents with seasonal allergies may experience increased symptoms. Dr. Deepika Kumaresan, an internal medicine doctor with Baylor Scott & White Health, spoke with Community Impact about allergies in Dallas- Fort Worth, including symptoms, most prevalent allergens and treatment. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com. What are allergies, and what does the average person need to know about them? Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless—like pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. When exposed, the immune system releases
chemicals, such as histamine, which trigger symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious reactions. Understanding your triggers and recognizing symptoms early helps you manage allergies e ectively. Which allergens are most prevalent in North Texas? North Texas experiences a high burden of airborne allergens throughout the year. The most common include: • Tree pollens: oak, pecan, cedar, elm • Grass pollens: Bermuda and Johnson grass • Weeds: ragweed, especially in the fall How should people treat them? The right care team can help you develop a personalized plan to nally get them under control. Common treatments include over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays and decongestants for short-term relief. Environmental controls—such as keeping windows closed, using air conditioning and regularly cleaning indoor spaces— can also help reduce exposure.
COURTESY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE
Common allergies by season In Texas—and especially North Texas—seasonal allergies can occur nearly year-round due to the climate and plant diversity, Kumaresan said.
Winter (December-February): cedar pollen
Spring (February-May): tree pollens
Summer (April-September): grass pollen
Fall (August-November): ragweed
KEEP STUDENTS SAFE. KEEP ACADEMICS STRONG. LEAD WITH INTEGRITY. Current GCISD dad, GCISD alumnus, federal law enforcement officer, committed to faith, family, and service.
A.J. PONTILLO RE-ELECT FOR GCISD SCHOOL BOARD, PLACE 5
GCISD Ranked #2 in DFW and #1 Best Place to Teach
Consistent annual tax rate cuts, passed fiscally responsible bond, and passed a VATRE with 100% of funds staying in GCISD School Resource Officer on every campus and layered security implemented 89% increase in English proficiency for Emergent Bilingual students, record CTE enrollment, 98% graduation rate, new reading and math curriculum
Early Voting: April 20 - 28 (closed April 21) Election Day: Saturday, May 2nd
connectwithaj.org
Political Advertisement Paid for by A.J. Pontillo for GCISD School Board
15
GRAPEVINE COLLEYVILLE SOUTHLAKE EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook