Why You Should Be Cautious About Phoenix Allergies

Springtime in Phoenix means that allergy season has arrived. Given the climate in Phoenix, some allergens, such as pollen, pollution and dust, can be present all year round. Once spring arrives though, grass, weed, and tree pollination begin in full force. These — along with an increase in the pollen count — can cause a spike in the allergies experienced by people in the Phoenix area.

What’s Causing Your Phoenix Allergies?

If you suffer from allergies, you are undoubtedly familiar with the familiar symptoms that come along with them: runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and more. What you might not be as clear about is exactly what you’re allergic to. Not surprisingly, the type of tree, grass, or weed that you’re allergic to can cause different symptoms that can help you narrow down the cause.

• Ash: An ornamental tree that can grow quite large, the ash is commonly used throughout Phoenix as an ornamental. Not only is ash a very active pollinator itself, its pollen also cross-reacts with highly-allergenic olive pollen. If ash pollen is what you’re allergic to, chances are that you’ll experience symptoms such as sinus pain and breathing problems in addition to the common symptoms noted above.
• Ragweed: Responsible for the most seasonal allergies, ragweed causes symptoms like swollen eyelids, hives, coughing, itchy ears, wheezing and an itchy throat in those people who are sensitive to the perennial weed.
• Mesquite: A plant that’s well suited for the Phoenix climate because it requires little maintenance or water, mesquite nevertheless is responsible for a host of miserable allergic symptoms. These can include asthma, contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis and nasal inflammation.
• Mulberry: A deciduous tree, mulberry has a significant role in the rise the pollen counts found in Phoenix the last few decades. This is because the tree produces a great deal of pollen that is highly allergenic. In addition to coughing, sneezing, fatigue and conjunctivitis, you might also experience asthma if you’re allergic to mulberry.
• Bermuda Grass: Often found in fields, golf course, lawns and parks across Phoenix, Bermuda grass is well suited to the area’s climate. It is also an extremely allergenic grass and can cause sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Other Allergens

Because the city lies in a valley — and it doesn’t get much rain or wind — pollutants such as ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide can often settle in the air. This can cause allergic reactions such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue.

If you find yourself heading to the pharmacy to try yet another over-the-counter medication that doesn’t really work, consider taking a more natural approach instead. Contact us at Backfit Health + Spine and learn natural and balanced ways to get through allergy season in Phoenix.