HOUSTON — Pollen is brutal right now. A runny nose, irritated-itchy throat, and watery eyes are just some impacts pollen can have.
Ragweed can have those same impacts but also can worsen asthma symptoms. Ragweed is a huge irritant.
We get our latest pollen count from the Houston Health Department and they conduct daily surveys. Their microbiologist will count the pollen each day for the latest numbers.
While you see tree, weed, and mold pollen at heavy levels, these can be broken down into specific categories to identify the irritant to you.
Under the tree category elm is the culprit right now. There are millions of elm trees across Southeast Texas and that pollen can carry with the wind.
Mold spores are thanks to the abundance of moisture and all of the recent rain and high humidity.
The Houston Health Department laboratory uses an instrument called the Burkard Spore Trap to measure air samples in order to provide the daily pollen report. The Burkard Spore Trap collects pollen and mold spores 10 liters/min, 24 hours a day. It is located on the roof of the laboratory at the Houston Health Department. The numbers are measured in cubic meters of air.
Now let's focus on the ragweed.
Ragweed season peaks during October but begins in August and can last through November depending on weather conditions. Climate change has had effects on how long the ragweed season lasts. Ragweed can also fire up asthma conditions.
Here are some things to know about ragweed:
Pollen production
A single ragweed plant can produce up to a billion pollen grains in a season.
Pollen spread
Ragweed pollen is very light and can float long distances, sometimes up to hundreds of miles.
Allergy symptoms
Ragweed pollen allergies can trigger nasal allergies and allergic asthma. Symptoms include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and chest tightness or pain.
Ragweed identification
Ragweed is a soft-stemmed weed with fern-like leaves and green flowers at the ends of its branches.
Ragweed removal
To prevent ragweed from spreading, you can pull the weeds out before they flower, wearing gloves to uproot the entire plant.
To limit pollen getting in your home- close all your windows and doors. Wash clothes and pillow cases often. Wash the pollen off your dogs/cats that are indoor/outdoor to limit pollen coming into your home.